A new chapter in global maritime communications is unfolding as Portugal prepares to launch the first satellites of its ambitious LUSIADA constellation, a project designed to modernize and secure data exchange across the world’s oceans.
For decades, ships have relied on the Automatic Identification System (AIS), a VHF radio-based technology that continuously broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, speed, and course. While AIS has been essential for safe navigation, it is increasingly strained. In high-traffic areas such as major ports, communication channels are becoming congested, and the system’s vulnerability to data manipulation has raised growing concerns.
To address these limitations, a new standard is emerging: the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). Operating alongside AIS, VDES offers wider bandwidth, enhanced reliability, and secure bidirectional communication between ships, coastal stations, and satellites. Crucially, its satellite component enables truly global coverage - even in the most remote ocean regions.
Portugal is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. The LUSIADA constellation, developed under the NEWSPACE Portugal initiative with support from the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), will consist of twelve polar-orbit satellites. Operated by the company LusoSpace, the system is expected to deliver the world’s first commercial VDES service.
The first four satellites, named Camões, Agustina, Pessoa, and Saramago, were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California in 2026. This initial deployment marks the beginning of a network often described by Ivo Vieira, the NewsSpace CEO, as a “Waze for the oceans,” aiming to provide real-time connectivity and safer navigation worldwide, regardless of weather conditions.
A critical technological breakthrough behind the constellation lies in its antenna system. Developed by the Instituto de Telecomunicações in collaboration with academic and industry partners, the deployable antenna had to meet demanding constraints. Engineers designed a compact structure capable of fitting into a volume smaller than half a CubeSat unit before launch, then expanding in space to operate efficiently within the 156-162 MHz AIS/VDES frequency band.
Despite its small size, the antenna achieves a gain of 6 dBi and supports dual circular polarization, key features for maintaining robust communication links. The engineering team, led by Carlos Fernandes, conducted extensive electromagnetic, thermal, and vibration testing, ensuring the system could withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Final integration of the antennas into the 8U CubeSats has been completed, with additional testing carried out in coordination with national regulatory authorities. The project represents a €15 million investment, combining public funding and private capital, and reflects Portugal’s growing role in the global space industry.
As the countdown to launch approaches, the LUSIADA constellation signals more than just technological progress; it represents a strategic step toward safer, smarter, and more connected oceans worldwide.
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