The fundamental advantage to the solution will be the integration of Earth Observation, Global Navigation, Telecommunications and Satellite Automatic Identification Systems together.

Telespazio VEGA UK will develop a range of value-added services and layers of geo-information that can be customized to the needs of specific operators. The service will include the primarily space radar and AIS (Automatic Identification System) / VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) based maritime shipping, oil slick and ice monitoring services which can be provided 24/7 by e-GEOS (Asi/Telespazio), and in particular already integrated satellite AIS services available from consortium Canadian member Exact Earth. AnsuR, a Norwegian company, will provide the low bandwidth high fidelity image transfer system currently operational in land crisis management applications with the United Nations.

Telespazio VEGA UK will be carrying out extensive user requirement workshops to deliver a sustainable service to oil and gas, commercial shipping, fishing and tourism organisations operating in this remote, hazardous and rapidly changing environment.

Activities in the Arctic region are set to increase significantly in coming years, with investment potentially reaching $100Bn or more within 10 years. With global involvement in the changing environment through oil extraction, mining, increased tourism and shipping routes, this solution aims to reduce commercial operational problems, improve management and policing in the area, and in monitoring to manage and reduce risk of environmental and human tragedy.

This solution presents a viable Arctic Integrated Situational Awareness Service building upon existing operational or semi-operational services provided by consortium members, and adding additional features believed to be of value to the user community that will help to differentiate and ensure the success of the service.

Telespazio VEGA UK is part of Telespazio, a Finmeccanica/Thales 67/33 joint venture, that is one of the world’s leading operators in satellite services with activities ranging from the design and development of space systems to the management of launch services, from in-orbit satellite control to Earth observation, from integrated communications, satellite navigation and localisation services to scientific programmes.