Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) has agreed a deal to evaluate maritime surveillance data from Indian satellite operator PierSight for use through its Vake Powered by KSAT platform.
The newly signed Letter of Intent covers PierSight’s Varuna satellites, which combine Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) reception on the same spacecraft. The combination is intended to allow vessels to be detected by radar and matched with AIS transmissions, while also identifying vessels that are not transmitting AIS data.
The data will initially come from Varuna 2.0, PierSight’s first commercial SAR and AIS satellite, which is scheduled for launch in 2027. Further satellites are planned as part of a 32-satellite Varuna constellation.
KSAT will assess the data for integration into Vake Powered by KSAT, which provides access to Earth observation data through web and API interfaces for maritime surveillance applications.
“We’re creating a new era of maritime surveillance with our application specific satellites, and are glad that KSAT EO is looking to partner,” said Gaurav Seth, CEO and Founder, PierSight.
The proposed use would add PierSight’s combined SAR and AIS observations to the data available through KSAT’s surveillance platform, supporting maritime situational awareness for operational users.
