Analysis of Two Monopole Antennas Placement on Satellite for AIS Signal Reception

Receiving AIS (Automatic Identification System) signal using satellite makes it possible to track the seafaring vessels beyond coastal areas that cannot be covered by ground AIS receiver that have limitation in coverage. Based on IALA (International Association of Maritime Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities), AIS has a purpose to enhance the maritime safety and navigation efficiency, the marine environment protection. LAPAN-A2 and LAPAN-A3 have been constructed by LAPAN (National Institute of Aeronautics and Space). LAPAN-A2 and LAPAN-A3 carry AIS Receiver as one of the payloads to monitoring ship. Next-generation satellite of LAPAN will also carry AIS receiver as one of the payloads. This AIS receiver is an improvement from AIS Receiver that carried in LAPAN-A2 and LAPAN-A3. To improve the AIS reception in next-generation satellites, the satellite will carry two VHF antenna. This paper simulated the radiation pattern of the VHF antenna to know the direction of the radiated signal, the coverage of AIS signal reception by the satellite and the link budget to receive the AIS signal.