Satellite-Based AIS Trade-Off Analysis in the Context of the PANSAT CubeSat Mission

Satellite-based Automatic Identification System (S-AIS) is an attractive approach to track vessels over wide areas in the open ocean without coastal or maritime coverage. In the context of the upcoming PANSAT nano-satellite mission, Panama’s first space experience, we present, discuss and settle the most relevant trade-offs in S-AIS when used in the vicinity of the Panama Canal. Detailed simulation results allow us to compare the antenna types among those commercially available, identify its required field of view angle, estimate the data return of flying with and without attitude control, and decide the best approach among the possible data handling and processing techniques of available S-AIS payloads. The outcomes of this paper constitute a valuable guideline for future CubeSat-based S-AIS system design.