ESA is launching an Announcement of Opportunity for the international scientific community to access Unseenlabs data service of radio-frequency (RF) detection at sea for science and EO-based applications development.

The data service allows for the geolocation and characterisation of shipborne RF emitters on a worldwide scope. It is available for any maritime area around the globe.

The goal of Unseenlabs is to address gaps in maritime surveillance by providing a service for the detection and monitoring of vessels, including uncooperative or dark vessels. The information gathered enhances maritime traffic monitoring, strengthens security measures, helps to combat pollution, and protects marine environments. Additionally, the RF intelligence allows for the optimisation of shipping routes and assists insurers in safeguarding offshore assets.

The operational capacity of Unseenlabs' technology offers the following applications:

• Combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing
• Preventing malicious or hostile activities and intrusions into maritime protected areas
• Securing offshore installations and assets, such as oil rigs and wind farms
• Safeguarding major sea routes and sensitive submarine installations like cables, pipelines, and underwater acoustic systems
• Monitoring insured assets to mitigate sanction and reputational risks for marine insurance companies
• Conducting investigations based on historical data for due diligence and forensic purposes
• Providing business intelligence, including maritime flow analysis for international trade stakeholders
• Protecting regions facing conflict and increased maritime risks

Two types of service are offered:

• New tasking: Fresh data collected by Unseenlabs constellation upon end-user request over a given period and revisit time for a specific area of interest.
• Archive: Historical data collected by Unseenlabs constellation will be delivered upon end-user request for a given period for a specific area of interest.
   

How To Access Data
 

1. Go to the ESA User Services Portal
2. Register or log in to EO Sign In
3. After logging in, complete and submit the form with your proposed use of the data
4. The proposal will be evaluated by ESA, which normally takes between 6 and 8 weeks
5. Upon successful evaluation, you will receive a confirmation email, which describes the amount of data to be provided, and details of how to order the data
    

The Unseenlabs Announcement of Opportunity Call is open to users worldwide, with a proposal submission deadline of 31 December 2024.