Norwegian satellite to launch in August

The first Norwegian satellite is to be launched this summer in order to keep track of maritime activities in the High North. The AIS (Automatic Identification System) is used by ships and Vessel Traffic Services around the world as a short-range coastal traffic system. Every seagoing ship weighing 300 tonnes or more must be fitted with the technology to allow authorities to track movements and to avoid collisions with other boats. Modern systems also allow ship-to-ship and ship-to-land communication via VHF signals, although this is only currently possible within the field of vision. More

(Source: IceNews - Jul 5)