PRION, our latest satellite payload, marks a significant advancement in maritime digital connectivity through the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES).

In 2022, the UAE plans to have an innovative micro-rover on a previously unexplored part of the moon. S3C is a proud partner of the Emirates Lunar Mission and creators of the groundbreaking communications system (COM-S) that will connect the little rover to Earth, 400,000km away.

S3C delivered another 75 AngelFish vessel tracker and emergency beacons to its Madagascan partner Ibonia for installation on fishing vessels. Part of the UKSA IPP programme, S3C and exactEarth are proud to work towards increased safety for Malagasy fishers.

S3C’s AngelFish is proven as a cornerstone technology for enabling subsistence fishermen to join the Hook-to-Cook economy. The MESA Discovery Phase Project was conducted in Mauritius from November 2020 until April 2021, funded by Demonstrate Impact in Developing Countries Programme, which is part of the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

The two maritime industry nano-satellites will have AIS receivers powered by S3C’s cutting-edge terrestrial VDES software defined radios. S3C joined CPUT in what promises to be a massive step forward in South Africa’s maritime surveillance.

Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Science and Innovation, released a statement on March 25 announcing two maritime industry nanosatellites. These maritime focussed satellites will be powered by S3C developed SDR modules using VDES technology.

S3C recently collaborated with TÜV SÜD, the international powerhouse of maritime hardware certification and standardisation, to produce a VDES platform for the certification of new VDES products. The significance of this platform is the immediate and practical implementation of the next generation AIS products into the greater maritime theater.

To prepare themselves for the next generation of AIS known as the VHF Data Exchange System or VDES, Polish based Emitel conducted a VDES field trial in order to gather the necessary practical expertise for future roll out of the VDES service on a commercial maritime scale.

The Canadian Coast Gard acknowledges that VDES, the next generation of AIS, will soon be the preferred ship-shore communication medium. In anticipation of becoming an early adopter, the Canadian Coast Guard supported by S3C, conducted field trials to verify the readiness of AIS VDES in real-world situations.