Satellite AIS Data is collected from AIS transponders aboard vessels using a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites will collect positions and relay them back to ground stations which will then be processed by the suppliers for release.

As a result of this process, there can be latency in this deliverable dependent on the satellite company, and the infrastructure used to transmit this data. A further limitation is that satellites can only hold a limited amount of data, so in high-traffic zones they may pick up fewer positions until they’re able to relay the data to the ground station.

Satellite AIS is typically used to track deep-sea vessels (vessels further than c40 nautical miles from shore).

There are a limited number of organisations which provide this data, however they are usually available for purchase alongside terrestrial AIS data due to partnerships between these suppliers

Benefits:

Captures positions when in ‘deep ocean’ massively extending the coverage beyond terrestrial AIS’s 40 nautical miles off shore.

As all vessels over 300GT travelling international are required to transmit their AIS position, this means that the dataset has huge coverage.

Drawbacks:

Can experience latency. This is because of satellites having to deposit their data via ground stations they pass over. If there is a time lag between the satellite collecting the data and transferring it, there can be a delay in the positions being reported.

In some instances satellite’s memory can be filled, particularly in high-traffic zones such as the South China Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. In these occasions, positions can be missed.