Unseenlabs' proprietary RF-detection monosatellite, deployed as the growing BRO (Breizh Reconnaissance Orbiter) constellation in low Earth orbit for global maritime signal geolocation.
BRO Nanosatellite Constellation
Unseenlabs' proprietary RF-detection monosatellite, deployed as the growing BRO (Breizh Reconnaissance Orbiter) constellation in low Earth orbit for global maritime signal geolocation.
Description
The BRO satellite is Unseenlabs' in-house-designed nanosatellite (monosatellite) platform carrying a proprietary passive radio-frequency (RF) detection payload. Each satellite in the BRO constellation intercepts and geolocates RF emissions from shipborne electronic navigation and communication equipment, enabling detection of vessels anywhere at sea - including 'dark ships' that have disabled or manipulated their AIS transponders.
Since the first satellite (BRO-1) was launched in August 2019 aboard a Rocket Lab Electron from Mahia, New Zealand, Unseenlabs has continuously grown the constellation, reaching 22 satellites in orbit by mid-2026. The company adds 3 to 6 new BRO satellites per year, launched on a mix of vehicles including SpaceX Falcon 9, Rocket Lab Electron, Arianespace Vega and the Japanese H3 rocket, most recently from Vandenberg Space Force Base and Tanegashima Space Center.
Each RF collection from a BRO satellite covers an average of about 300,000 km2, delivers geolocation accuracy down to the kilometer, and produces a lightweight data file (under 1 MB) with multiband RF parameters, timestamps and coordinates in formats compatible with standard GIS tools. The constellation operates 24/7 in all weather conditions, independent of any onboard vessel equipment, providing global, ITAR-free RF intelligence.
Specifications
| Platform type | RF-detection monosatellite (nanosatellite) |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| Constellation size (as of mid-2026) | 22 satellites in orbit |
| First launch | BRO-1, Aug 19, 2019 (Rocket Lab Electron, Mahia, New Zealand) |
| Annual launch cadence | 3 to 6 new satellites per year |
| Launch vehicles used | SpaceX Falcon 9, Rocket Lab Electron, Arianespace Vega, JAXA H3 |
| Payload | Proprietary passive RF detection and geolocation payload |
| Detection coverage | Average of 300,000 km2 per RF data collection |
| Geolocation accuracy | Up to the kilometer |
| Data output size | Less than 1 MB per collection file |
| RF band coverage | Multiband RF data collection in a single pass |
| Operating conditions | 24/7, all-weather, day and night |
