Nanosatellites: AISSat-3
January 25, 2014
The 7-kg, 20x20x20cm AISSat-3 satellite, funded by the Norwegian Space Centre, is similar to AISSat-2 but incorporates an upgraded Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver for improved ship detection rates. Given the great success of AISSat-1, the completion of the AISSat-2 satellite, and the need for multiple operational space-based AIS assets, Norway initiated the AISSat-3 project. Multiple AIS satellites working in tandem increase coverage, shorten revisit times, and provide natural redundancy for space-based AIS observation under direct control by Norway. AISSat-3 was launched on 28 November 2017 but did not reach orbit due to launch vehicle failure.