AAC Clyde Space to Launch Ymir-1 Satellite in November
AAC Clyde Space and its partners Saab and Orbcomm are planning to launch Ymir-1, a Swedish built VDES spacecraft, in November 2023. The research project, that is partially funded by the Swedish Transport Administration, intendeds to launch a test satellite which will make way for a future constellation to provide a next generation VDES service.
AAC Clyde Space and Saab will host Trafikverket, The Swedish Transport Administration, Friday the 8th of September at AAC Clyde Space premises in Uppsala, Sweden where AAC Clyde Space is building the satellite. The first cutting-edge satellite is part of a collaborative project AOS, a brand born from a partnership between AAC Clyde Space, ORBCOMM and Saab.
Ymir-1 will carry a Saab VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) payload for two-way communication between satellite and ground and ORBCOMM will integrate the data in its distribution centre for maritime communications.
The goal of the consortium is to create a global maritime communication network enabling ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication everywhere on the globe. Together they are developing the next generation of space based VDES. The addition of a space-based capability will increase VDES range from the shoreline to anywhere in the ocean, converting what is currently a predominantly coastal system into a global maritime system.
"We look forward to welcoming the Swedish Transport Administration this month to showcase our ready to launch smart satellite but also the development of the next generation of space based VDES. This In Orbit Demonstration satellite will provide proof of concept of a space-based capability that will increase VDES range from the shoreline to anywhere in the ocean, converting what is currently a predominantly coastal system into a global maritime system. VDES will increase maritime safety and contribute to a greener shipping industry, that will improve life on Earth," says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.
"We are grateful for the support of funding from the Swedish Transport Administration on the development of space based VDES. Saab's aim is to enhance a selection of existing products and to make use of space capabilities for the benefit of our customers and users. Saab's R6 Supreme AIS/VDES ship-transponders will provide functionality to the next generation of global maritime communication services based on a VHF VDES. The Ymir-1 launch will complement this, by supporting the development of our space-based VDES, and by that create a foundation for a global maritime communication network beyond the horizon," says Head of Transpondertech at Saab Johanna Gustafsson