AAC Clyde Space, via its U.S. subsidiary AAC SpaceQuest, has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center to evaluate its satellite-based VDES capability in an operational environment.
The work will test how satellite-based VDES supports maritime domain awareness and communication, including the exchange of safety and navigation information beyond the reach of terrestrial systems. This includes improving visibility of vessel activity and enabling communication in areas with limited or no coverage. A reference node will be established at the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London, Connecticut.
The evaluation will use the Sedna-2 satellite to assess system performance, interoperability and potential operational use cases. The work will be carried out as a collaborative research effort, with each party contributing its own resources.
"Working with the U.S. Coast Guard in an operational environment provides valuable insights into how satellite-based VDES can complement existing systems," says Luis Gomes, CEO of AAC Clyde Space. "It strengthens our ability to develop services that support maritime domain awareness and communication in real-world conditions."
"The Coast Guard Research and Development Center is looking forward to executing our CRADA with AAC SpaceQuest," says Captain Michael Chien, Commanding Officer at U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. "Our command has a long positive history of working with industry as part of the National Security research Enterprise. We see this opportunity, with AAC SpaceQuest, as a way to keep this vital partnership - between government and industry flourishing to advance our nation's goals."
The evaluation is expected to be conducted during 2026.
About VDES
The VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) is the next generation of maritime communication, enabling secure two-way data exchange between ships, satellites and shore. It builds on the existing Automatic Identification System (AIS), where AAC Clyde Space has built extensive experience through its space-based AIS data services. AAC Clyde Space has demonstrated two-way VDES communication from space with YMIR-1. The company continues to develop the technology together with partners and customers, supporting the transition towards safer oceans, smarter shipping and a greener future.
For more information:
Håkan Tribell, Director of Marketing and Communications, email: investor@aac-clydespace.com, phone: +46 707 230382, website: http://www.aac-clyde.space.
ABOUT AAC CLYDE SPACE
AAC Clyde Space (publ.) provides small satellite technologies and services that help governments, businesses and institutions access high-quality data from space. Covering satellite components, mission services and space-based data delivery, the company offers end-to-end solutions that turn space-based intelligence into real-world impact. Applications include weather monitoring, maritime safety, security and defence, agriculture and forestry.
AAC Clyde Space is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with operations also in the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. The company's shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market in Stockholm (Ticker: AAC) and on the US OTCQX Market (OTCQX: ACCMF). The Company's Certified Adviser is DNB Carnegie Investment Bank AB.