Link and Doppler Analysis for Space-Based AIS Reception

In this paper, we present an investigation of space-based automatic identification system (AIS) signal reception by a nano/micro-sized satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO), using existing VHF communication channels. Today's ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication is limited by the horizon, and the signal reception is highly dependent on the altitude of the transmitter antenna located onboard the ship. Link performance, Doppler shift due to satellite motion, atmospheric interference, and antenna design is investigated. The results in this paper show that the Doppler effect plays a major role for communication with satellites in LEO, and techniques for improved Doppler compensation is suggested.