Tracking ships from space

February 8, 2010 by Arvadmin

Two new receivers are soon to be tested from the International Space Station to help keep track of large ships at sea.

VHF radio signals from a ship's transponder regularly transmit the vessel's identification and location, but this data can only be picked up line-of-sight by other ships or when near land.

To improve the tracking of ships, these signals will also be received on the space station to see if it can provide greater real-time tabs on shipping movements.