KSAT EO to evaluate PierSight’s SAR and AIS data for dark ship tracking

Norway-based Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is evaluating the use of maritime surveillance data from Indian space technology company PierSight to identify and track vessels that operate without transmitting their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals.

PierSight and KSAT’s Earth Observation division, KSAT EO, have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) under which KSAT EO has expressed its intention to become a customer of PierSight’s maritime surveillance data. The data is expected to be integrated into Vake Powered by KSAT, KSAT’s maritime surveillance platform.

SAR and AIS combined on a single satellite

PierSight’s Varuna satellite platform combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and AIS reception on the same spacecraft. The configuration is designed to enable radar-based vessel detection alongside AIS-based identification during the same satellite pass.

This capability could support the monitoring of vessels that do not transmit AIS signals, commonly referred to as “dark ships”. When a vessel’s transponder is switched off or otherwise unavailable, SAR can provide an independent means of detecting its presence.

The data under evaluation will come from Varuna 2.0, PierSight’s first commercial SAR and AIS satellite, which is scheduled for launch in 2027. The satellite will form part of PierSight’s planned 32-satellite Varuna constellation, with subsequent missions expected to expand the company’s maritime observation coverage.

Data to support maritime situational awareness

KSAT combines Earth observation data with its satellite operations capabilities and global ground infrastructure to provide maritime and other operational services. Through Vake Powered by KSAT, the company provides access to maritime intelligence through web and API-based interfaces.

The proposed use of PierSight’s SAR and AIS data is aimed at strengthening maritime situational awareness by combining observations from different sources to detect and identify vessels.

“KSAT has spent decades earning the trust of maritime agencies worldwide. Their decision to evaluate PierSight’s capabilities for potential use in Vake Powered by KSAT is a strong validation for us. We’re creating a new era of maritime surveillance with our application specific satellites, and are glad that KSAT EO is looking to partner” ~ Gaurav Seth, CEO and Founder, PierSight

PierSight’s maritime satellite constellation

Founded by former ISRO scientist Gaurav Seth, PierSight is developing a satellite constellation focused on maritime surveillance. Its Varuna satellites are designed to collect both SAR imagery and AIS data, with the planned 32-satellite constellation intended to provide broader and more frequent maritime observation.

The company said the combination is intended to address situations where AIS information alone may be insufficient for vessel monitoring.

“We want to make the space domain convenient for users to draw upon through timely, relevant, and reliable data, available via the Vake Powered by KSAT platform, which offers both secure and easy web and API access. We are pleased to cement our role as a meta-constellation by exploring how PierSight’s new SAR satellites can contribute to enhanced maritime situational awareness,” says Rudi Thomassen, CEO of Vake