A Study of AIS Frames Sent by CubeSats into the Ground Station

The automatic identification system (AIS) refers to a tracking system relying on ship-fitted transceivers; this system is indispensable in vessel traffic service (VTS). When satellites are used to receive AIS signatures, the term satellite AIS (S-AIS) is used. AIS information adds more on marine radar information, which leads the technologies for collision avoidance concerning water transportation. This paper presents an evaluation of the quality of AIS frames received at the ground station and recommends improvements on the current AIS system so that we can detect signal degradation and track vessels that go “AIS dark”.