An integrated space-based passive system for maritime operational traffic surveillance

An integrated solution for the improvement of maritime traffic safety is proposed in this paper. Satellite and terrestrial-based data sources are fused to achieve a common operational picture for situational awareness. In particular, the system is composed of: 1)passive radars making use of DVB-T, DAB, and satellite broadcast transmitters for off-shore and coastal surveillance; 2) COSMO-SkyMedsatellites for large scale traffic monitoring; 3) Galileo positioning system for search and rescue services. Local and national authorities are the main potential users of such an integrated service.