The development of satellite-based AIS (S-AIS) culminated with the 2008 ORBCOMMM launch of the first operational constellation of satellites. The constellation provides a global collection capability for AIS transmitting ships, gathering information several times a day. As more S-AIS systems have been placed in orbit, there has been a dramatic, improvement in the time between collection and availability for users. That time reduction will continue to advance as more S-AIS receivers are placed in orbit.
S-AIS is especially effective when paired with radar satellite constellations now in operation.
The collection of AIS from both terrestrial and, especially, satellite systems, also provides the
opportunity to develop MSA shipping pattern analysis, a useful tool for assisting in the detection