PierSight's approach is of particular interest, as it is one of the few space-based systems that combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) capabilities. By integrating SAR imaging and AIS reception on the same satellite, radar detections can be correlated with vessel-reported AIS information.
When AIS is absent or inconsistent, SAR provides an independent means of detecting and tracking activity at sea. Combined with frequent revisit-rates and low-latency data delivery, this capability has the potential to further enhance KSAT's maritime offerings.
As maritime activity continues to grow, timely and reliable maritime situational awareness is becoming increasingly important. With decades of experience delivering operational maritime services and one of the world's most extensive ground station networks, KSAT is uniquely positioned to turn satellite observations into actionable maritime intelligence, enabling rapid response and informed decision-making for operational users.
– We want to make the space domain convenient for users to draw upon through timely, relevant, and reliable data, available via the Vake Powered by KSAT platform, which offers both secure and easy web and API access. We are pleased to cement our role as a meta-constellation by exploring how PierSight's new SAR satellites can contribute to enhanced maritime situational awareness, says Rudi Thomassen, CEO of Vake.
PierSight, founded by former ISRO scientist Gaurav Seth, is India’s first maritime-focused SAR constellation company.
– KSAT has spent decades earning the trust of maritime agencies worldwide. Their decision to evaluate PierSight’s capabilities for potential use in Vake Powered by KSAT is a strong validation for us. We’re creating a new era of maritime surveillance with our application specific satellites, and are glad the KSAT EO is looking to partner, Gaurav Seth, CEO and Founder of PierSight.
The data will be captured by Varuna 2.0, PierSight’s first commercial SAR + AIS satellite, launching in 2027, and by subsequent Varuna missions in a planned 32-satellite constellation.
