Importance

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Abstract

A spaced-based system is provided to simultaneously track and monitor one or more ocean going vessels at any point on the earth. The system includes a plurality of space vehicles or satellites. Each satellite includes an AIS communications payload to receive AIS signals including AIS information transmitted from the one or more vessels and to transmit the received AIS information. The system also includes a plurality of ground earth elements. Each ground earth element includes a receiver to receive the AIS information transmitted from one or more of the plurality of satellites to globally track and monitor the one or more vessels based on the AIS information received from the communications payload. The plurality of satellites are distributed in two or more orbital planes located at a substantially common altitude and having a substantially common inclination. In particular, the satellites may be deployed in a low earth orbit constellation.

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First Claim