exactEarth Announces Launch of EV-1 Satellite with Advanced AIS Detection Payload

exactEarth Ltd., a leading provider of satellite AIS data services, announced the successful launch of the exactView 1 (EV-1) satellite aboard a Soyuz launch vehicle.  EV-1 is carrying an advanced second generation AIS detection payload which is expected to significantly enhance vessel detection and tracking performance especially in areas of denser shipping traffic. The satellite and payload will be commissioned over the next three months after which the satellite will be put into operational service.  EV-1 will utilize high-speed S-band and C-band communications to frequently downlink information to ground stations in Svalbard, Norway, Guildford, UK and several other locations around the world.

The polar-orbiting spacecraft was built under contract for exactEarth and is the fifth deployed satellite in the exactView vessel monitoring satellite constellation. COM DEV Canada acted as prime contractor and COM DEV Europe (UK) supplied the advanced AIS transceiver payload system for this mission. SSTL(UK) manufactured the satellite bus and brokered the launch arrangements. The planned exactEarth satellite constellation will consist of six polar orbiting satellites designed to provide an hourly update of global vessel positions.

"Today's launch marks another important step in the ongoing expansion of our global vessel monitoring service," said Peter Mabson, President of exactEarth.  "This launch helps ensure that exactEarth will continue to provide the world's most comprehensive and high performance satellite-based AIS service for years to come."