24-satellite CubeSat constellation providing 24/7 global maritime domain awareness via passive detection of vessel RF emissions — Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat, and radar signatures. Non-ITAR. UK Space Agency IOD-3 programme.
Amber Space-Based Maritime SIGINT Constellation
24-satellite CubeSat constellation providing 24/7 global maritime domain awareness via passive detection of vessel RF emissions — Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat, and radar signatures. Non-ITAR. UK Space Agency IOD-3 programme.
Description
The Amber constellation is Horizon Technologies' space-based intelligence solution delivering persistent maritime domain awareness from Low Earth Orbit. Each Amber CubeSat passively detects and characterizes RF emissions from vessels — including L-band satellite phones (Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat), X-band and S-band maritime radars, and AIS transmissions — providing true signals intelligence rather than simple RF mapping. The constellation enables detection and tracking of 'dark vessels' that disable or spoof their AIS transponders.
The planned constellation comprises 24 CubeSats, with each satellite covering approximately 2.6% of Earth's surface and providing 3 to 12 looks per day over any given area. The system enables continuous 24/7 global data collection without requiring tasking, monitoring 12 million square kilometres at all times. Subscribers can specify regional, EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), or global datasets. Each vessel detected is assigned a unique AmberID enabling longitudinal tracking and correlation across collection events.
The Amber-2 Phoenix Mission is sponsored by the UK Space Agency under the IOD-3 Programme, with Horizon Space Technologies acting as prime contractor and KISPE as a key partner. The Amber constellation integrates with Horizon's BlackFish airborne and AmberPersistent ground-based systems to form a unified multi-domain ISR network, enabling data correlation across space, air, and terrestrial collection layers.
The system is Non-ITAR and designed for the full range of Allied government and commercial customers without US export licensing constraints. Operational applications include counter-piracy, illegal fishing interdiction, drug smuggling at sea, ship-to-ship transfer identification, and migrant rescue operations.
Specifications
| Constellation size | 24 planned CubeSats |
|---|---|
| Continuous coverage area | 12 million km² |
| Satellite footprint | 2.6% of Earth's surface per satellite |
| Collection frequency | 3–12 looks per day per area (single satellite) |
| Operating cadence | 24/7, no tasking required |
| Signals detected | L-band satellite phones (Thuraya, Iridium, Inmarsat), X-band and S-band maritime radar, AIS |
| Coverage options | Regional, EEZ, or global |
| Vessel tracking id | Unique AmberID per vessel |
| Government programme | UK Space Agency IOD-3 Programme (Amber-2 Phoenix Mission) |
| Prime contractor | Horizon Space Technologies |
| Integration | Multi-domain: BlackFish (airborne) + AmberPersistent (ground) |
| ITAR status | Non-ITAR |
