On October 14th, three traffic VHF data exchange system satellites (referred to as traffic VDES satellites) co-operated by the China Transportation and Communication Information Center, the Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group, and Beijing Hede Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as Hede Aerospace) , Successfully launched at Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.
Air and space are integrated, world and earth are interconnected, navigation coordinates are located by satellite, and shipping services are upgraded. The successful completion of the satellite launch mission not only marks an important step in the construction of China’s autonomous and controllable traffic VDES satellite system, but also lays a solid foundation for enhancing China’s maritime communications security capabilities; it also means that China is building and upgrading global maritime security in an all-round way. A new development coordinate has been established in the work of the communication system.
So, what is VDES? What is the important role and significance of accelerating the construction of VDES? Why should China actively commit to the construction of VDES? How will VDES intervene and change our production and life in the future? In response to a series of issues of public concern, our reporter interviewed Song Qin, a senior expert deeply involved in the creation of VDES-Deputy Director of China Transportation and Communication Information Center.
Reporter: For many people, VDES is a completely new concept. Can you briefly introduce what is VDES?
Song Qin: VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) is an upgrade of the Automatic Vessel Identification System (AIS). On the basis of maintaining the existing AIS functions and systems, special application messages (ASM) are added And broadband VHF data exchange (VDE) function. In 2013, the International Association of Navigational aids (IALA) first proposed the VDES concept and passed it at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference.
The new generation of VDES integrating the world and the earth is composed of new satellite constellations, upgraded shore-based systems, terminals, and big data platforms. Its functions include: two-way communication, extended broadcast information broadcasting, weather navigation and other dedicated information channels, satellite long-distance AIS (LAIS), special application message service (ASM), ground VHF frequency band data exchange and satellite-to-ground VHF frequency band data exchange service (VDE).
For users, VDES has three significant changes. First, the system gives the highest priority to ship position reports and safety-related information, and uses dedicated frequency bands to ensure transmission; second, it is more flexible in use, unlike the past that can only passively receive information, VDES users can actively send other ships and ports as needed. , Chart Information Center, etc. to push or request information; finally relying on channel adjustment to greatly increase the speed of information transmission. VDES can not only meet the current ground ship-ship, ship-shore data exchange, and greatly enhance the existing maritime radio information communication capabilities, but will also be able to further realize the long-distance two-way between satellites and ships in the future in terms of technology and spectrum resources. Reserve space for data exchange.
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) held in October 2019 specially assigned frequencies for the global development and application of satellite VDES and took effect immediately. With the support of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport, the China Communications and Information Center has formed a satellite constellation and frequency orbit plan. ITU ).
The traffic constellation system consists of three parts: space segment, ground segment, and user segment. The space segment is composed of the low-orbit satellite constellation carrying VDES payload; the user segment is mainly for typical users of transportation "people, vehicles, ships, and planes". The terminal spectrum includes handheld, vehicle-mounted, airborne, and shipborne; The ground section includes the gateway station and the system operation management and information service center.
The entire constellation has been deployed with a total of 60 stars, including 50 working stars and 10 backup stars. The successful launch of the three stars on October 14 means that we have taken an important step in the construction of the traffic constellation system.
VHF Data Exchange System (VDES).
Reporter: There are already open and universal AISs in the world, why do we have to make great efforts to develop VDES?
Song Qin: Improve the maritime communication network, upgrade the "space-earth integration" network to form an "air-space-earth-sea" communication network,It has become the general direction and trend of building ocean power . To clarify this issue, we must not only base ourselves on reality, but also look at the world and the future.
VDES is a global open information service system. Accelerating the development of VDES is not only related to the development interests of our country, but also related to the interests of global development.
First of all, judging from the reality of China, whether it is to accelerate the construction of a maritime power or jointly build the "Belt and Road", a safe and efficient maritime information service guarantee system is one of the necessary basic conditions.
The party's report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China put forward the strategic development requirements of "accelerating the construction of a maritime power". The " Outline for Building a Powerful Transportation Country " issued by the Party Central Committee and the State Council has made major strategic deployments for accelerating the construction of a strong transportation country. Based on the strong support to guarantee the implementation of the national strategy, we must give priority to the development of a maritime safety guarantee communication system, and provide advanced marine information acquisition and transmission methods.
VDES satellite system can provide all-weather, all-weather VHF data communication, data acquisition and maritime Internet of Things and other information management and control and services, and its application prospects are extremely broad.
In this context, in accordance with the development of the national economy and the national ocean and ocean strategy needs, in 2016 , the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport jointly issued the "Implementation Plan for Promoting "Internet +" Convenient Transportation and Promoting the Development of Intelligent Transportation." , Which clearly requires that “under the international E-Navigation strategic plan, develop the next-generation satellite-based, land-based VHF data exchange system (VDES) to improve COSCO’s ship support capabilities.”
Secondly, from the global reality In terms of demand, it is also urgent to accelerate the development of VDES.
AIS is a communication system that exchanges ship voyage data through a digital communication protocol. It started in 2003. According to the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) " International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea", 300 gross tonnage and above are used on international routes All ships, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in non-international routes and passenger ships regardless of tonnage,AIS equipment should be installed. AIS is an indispensable technical means to ensure the safe navigation of ships at sea.
The increasing frequency of ocean transportation has made the two VHF band 25KHz bandwidth channels of AIS increasingly crowded around the world. The International Navigational Standards Association (IALA) proposed that when the channel exceeds 50% of the load, AIS information blocking and other issues will cause signal transmission lag, and the probability of ship collision warning missed reports will increase significantly, which will seriously affect the safety of navigation. In addition, the traditional AIS shore base station can only cover a distance of 50 nautical miles, which is difficult to meet the needs of long-sea activities.
Based on the urgency of this reality, in 2013, the International Association of Navigation and Navigational Standards (IAA) proposed the VDES concept for the first time. It plans to build a space-ground integration system to upgrade and replace AIS, which is widely recognized and actively promoted by international organizations such as ITU, IMO .
The antenna is unfolded.
Reporter: In the long run, what is the significance of actively participating in the construction of VDES for our country?
Song Qin: VDES will have an important impact on the reconstruction of the water traffic safety governance system, improve the safety and service guarantee capabilities of deep sea navigation, enhance and improve the water traffic governance system and governance capabilities, and promote the healthy and safe development of the shipping industry. It is of great significance for our country to speed up the construction of a transportation power and a maritime power.
First, VDES is expected to become an important entry point for China to participate in the future global maritime communication system standards. As an international non-profit organization, the International Association of Navigation Marks is responsible for the formulation of the VDES standard. In the past, China did not participate in the formulation of AIS international standards, and the development of AIS has always been in a state of being controlled by others. At present, the global VDES industry standard has not yet been issued, and all countries are in the state of research and development, and commercial products have not yet appeared. With China's current comprehensive scientific and technological strength, industry technology integration capabilities and international influence, there is an opportunity to catch up with and surpass in the development process of VDES.
Currently, the Maritime Safety Administration of the Ministry of Transport and the relevant industrial departments of China’s Aerospace Industry are simultaneously participating in the formulation of the VDES standard on behalf of China.Has achieved positive and effective phased results.
The traffic star VDES satellite frequency data declared by the China Transportation and Communication Information Center is the first batch of network data announced after the WRC-19 conference rules take effect. It ranks first in the world according to the time sequence of all applicants’ declarations, and has the ability to build a global VDES satellite system. The prerequisite is to have the "World No. 1" priority of VDES frequency orbit resources. Aerospace Science, Industry, and Technology Cloud Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Hede Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. ranked second and third. According to ITU regulations, VDES satellite systems built by any organization at home and abroad within 7 years must be coordinated with the organizations in the front before they can be used. In the construction and service of the global public satellite system, China has obtained priority frequency data for the first time.
Second, VDES is an important component of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). VDES can be extended to a variety of applications in maritime affairs. The International Association of Navigational aids is developing a use case model based on electronic navigation, which will provide services for the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation, maritime environmental protection, maritime safety, and reducing the operational burden of crews. The benefits of VDES not only cover all aspects of IMO affairs, but also go beyond the existing scope, such as extending to fishery operations, scientific investigations and resource development.
Third, VDES is a maritime digital infrastructure developed by E-Navigation. E-Navigation, as the next-generation maritime navigation security comprehensive service strategic system vigorously promoted by the International Maritime Organization, the International Hydrographic Organization, and the International Association of Navigational Marks Exchange, analyze, and display according to the needs of different sailing users, so as to strengthen the safety and security of ship navigation, and ultimately achieve the goals of navigation safety, high efficiency, environmental protection, and energy saving.
At present, VDES has been recognized by international organizations such as ITU and IMO as an important support system for future E-Navigation. It is a maritime digital infrastructure for E-Navigation development and is of great significance to smart and safe shipping.
Fourth, VDES can be used as an important means for the development of intelligent shipping. VDES provides all-weather and all-weather VHF frequency communication, data acquisition and maritime IoT services for global maritime and even land users.It can be integrated with other communication systems on the ground to provide an "Internet + Maritime" platform, which is an important means for the development of intelligent shipping.
Satellite and rocket docking.
Reporter: Facing the future, what are your prospects for the development and application of VDES?
Song Qin: As a component of the communication network infrastructure represented by satellite Internet, the application prospect of VDES is full of imagination. For example, it can play an important role in maritime emergency, safety supervision, sovereignty maintenance, etc., and its potential application prospects are that it will greatly enrich the information that ships can obtain in the future, such as port operations, shipping management, electronic customs declaration, and polar communications. , Maritime supervision and other aspects have been deeply applied, and even can play a role in land transportation communication services.
Of course, our primary goal is: based on the water, connect the world, serve China's traffic, and provide global maritime security services.
We must strive to effectively support the implementation of the strategy of a strong transportation country, a maritime power country, and the "One Belt One Road" initiative, and become an integral part of the world's integrated traffic control network, to meet the needs of China's maritime and traffic safety communications for autonomous and controllable and global coverage, and to take into account maritime rights and interests. The communication requirements for security, surveying and mapping, and environmental monitoring have made China a provider of space resources for global maritime distress and safety systems, leading the modern development of international maritime safety communications.
Introduction to the participants
China Communications Information Center
A business unit directly under the Ministry of Transport, entrusted by the Ministry to formulate and organize the implementation of technical policies and technologies for communications, navigation, radio and information management in the transportation industry Standards, rules and regulations; acting on behalf of the Ministry of radio administrative licensing and administrative examination and approval responsibilities; undertaking industry information network construction, operation and maintenance, integration, security, etc.; representing the country in the relevant activities of the International Telecommunication Union and the International Maritime Organization, responsible for China International Maritime satellite, China search and rescue satellite system construction, operation and maintenance and management work,And undertake relevant domestic and international emergency safety public welfare communication responsibilities; undertake the research and development, application and consulting of communication, navigation, radio and information technology required by the industry, the country, and the social and economic development; undertake the related work of China's civil satellite navigation system.
The Eighth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group
China Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd. One of the three general hospitals, also known as Shanghai Space Administration , "projectiles, arrows, stars, ships, instruments" in multiple fields The backbone enterprise of defense science and technology industry with simultaneous development and coordinated military-civilian development has the unique advantage of providing integrated turnkey solutions for rocket launch, satellite development, and ground applications. As one of the main research and development units of application satellites in China, it has launched more than 70 satellites representing the advanced level of the country, and has formed the SAST series of satellite public platforms. The six major satellite series, including electronic information, space monitoring, and deep space exploration, have played a huge role in the construction of national defense and national economy.
Beijing Hede Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd.
A private enterprise dedicated to international aerospace trade and space-based Internet of Things application services, International Astronautical Federation member unit, International Telecommunications Union member unit, IAA member units and national high-tech enterprise holds a value-added telecommunications business license; since its establishment in 2007, it has relied on more than 400 aerospace industry partners around the world and abundant domestic and foreign government resources. A number of key Chinese aerospace missions, such as human spaceflight, Beidou navigation, and Chang'e lunar exploration, provide key products and technical services, and have made major contributions to the rapid development of China's aerospace.
reporter Yang Hongyan
trainee reporter Xie Zijun
image provided by China Communications Information Center
Contribution email: [email protected]
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