SATMAR nanosatellite to debut in June advancing digital maritime connectivity
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Could 28, 2025
The maritime business’s digital evolution will acquire momentum on June 21 with the scheduled launch of SATMAR, a 6U nanosatellite engineered fully by Alen House. The satellite tv for pc will elevate off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the Transporter-14 rideshare mission from Vandenberg House Drive Base in California.
Developed in collaboration with Egatel and backed by Spain’s Ports 4.0 innovation program, SATMAR is designed to validate the VHF Information Alternate System (VDES), a next-generation maritime communication commonplace set to supersede the present Computerized Identification System (AIS). Ports 4.0 is led by Puertos del Estado and the Spanish Port Authorities to drive disruptive innovation inside port infrastructure.
SATMAR will function an orbital platform to check real-world purposes of VDES over Spanish territorial waters. The satellite tv for pc will assess bidirectional information switch within the VHF band, aiming to cut back communication saturation and improve the effectivity, safety, and environmental sustainability of world maritime operations.
Use case testing will likely be performed in partnership with the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras and corporations corresponding to Oritia and Boreas. SATMAR will help functionalities together with VDES sign transmission, long-range coastal connectivity, encrypted messaging, maritime security alerts, and correct vessel arrival predictions.
“This can be a pioneering mission with world implications,” said Guillermo Lamelas, CEO of Alen House. “The VDES commonplace is poised to redefine maritime communications, bringing forth digital transformation, new companies, and significant security enhancements for vessels and ports.”
Past its main VDES mission, SATMAR additionally hosts a secondary payload for spectrum evaluation, positioning the satellite tv for pc as an orbiting Software program Outlined Radio (SDR) take a look at lab. It would experiment with high-speed S-band communications and monitor RF interference throughout VHF, L, and S bands. Payloads had been designed with in-orbit reconfigurability to regulate testing because the mission evolves.
The satellite tv for pc builds on the muse of the SHIPMATE challenge, beforehand developed by Alen House and Egatel with Gradiant, reinforcing a sustained dedication to advancing space-based maritime digitalization.
Associated Hyperlinks
Alen House
VSAT Information – Suppliers, Expertise And Functions
