Get in touch

SAVIAN

ESA ARTES 4.0 Project

SAVIAN

Satellite-based VDES Infrastructure for Arctic Needs

Sternula is leading a system study to bring trusted, satellite-based digital communication to the Arctic — where terrestrial towers and geostationary satellites both fall short.

Explore the project
SAVIAN logo
SAVIAN as a Project

From requirements to a working business case

Technical / System Definition

Define stakeholder needs and service requirements for Arctic VDE-SAT coverage, and develop the system architecture across space, ground and network segments.

Business / Commercial

Establish the commercial and operational feasibility case, assess market demand, and define a phased path to operational infrastructure.

Arctic Cooperation

Capture Danish and Canadian requirements, align with international Arctic stakeholders, and strengthen cross-border connectivity efforts.

System Approach

Trusted, IP-free data exchange with the ship's bridge

The system centers on VDE-SAT, the satellite component of VDES. Unlike conventional satellite broadband, it moves data without relying on the internet, and every message can be digitally signed — so a ship's bridge can verify it came from the authority it claims to.

Digitally signed navigational warnings
VTS route exchange, without the language barrier
Trusted, spoof-proof AIS
Faster data exchange for search-and-rescue coordination
Project Plan and Timeline
Aug 2026 Kick-off
Autumn 2026 Requirements & Architecture
Nov 2026 Mid-Term Review
Feb 2027 Business Case & Final Review
Background of Companies Involved

A consortium spanning both sides of the Atlantic

Sternula logo
Prime · Denmark

Founded in 2019, Sternula is building the world's largest integrated satellite and coastal network for trusted, real-time AIS 2.0 (VDES) connectivity, helping lead its global standardization with IALA, IMO, and ITU.

GomSpace logo
Satellites · Denmark

GomSpace provides reliable small satellite solutions, cost-effective hardware, and integrated systems for defense and civil applications — including advanced satellite and surveillance technologies for air, maritime, and national security, as well as global space exploration and research.

LE Europe logo
Economics · Denmark

LE Denmark is the Danish branch of LE Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of London Economics. It provides economic consultancy services specialised in the space sector, drawing on more than 15 years of experience advising international organisations, national governments, and private companies.

PIRC logo
Requirements · Canada

Public Interests Research and Communications Inc. (PIRC) is a specialised advisory firm focused on operational requirements definition, regulatory systems integration, and stakeholder-driven system design for complex infrastructure and communications initiatives — with particular expertise in Arctic and remote environments and over 25 years of experience supporting Arctic marine operations, including engagement with Canadian federal authorities.

Fun Fact

Denmark and Canada have a long track record of settling Arctic disagreements the friendly way. For nearly 50 years, the two countries "fought" over a barren rock called Hans Island by taking turns planting a flag and swapping a bottle of Canadian whisky for one of Danish schnapps; the so-called "Whisky War." It ended peacefully in 2022, with the island split 60-40. These days, instead of trading liquor over a rock, Denmark and Canada are trading expertise over the airwaves, teaming up on SAVIAN to bring trusted satellite connectivity to the Arctic waters they both call home.

Click here to read the PR Statement