AAC Clyde Space AB (publ) announced VDES CubeSat, Ymir-1, has been delivered to the Vandenberg Space Force base in California for launch integration for a planned launch in November 2023. Designed and built by AAC Clyde Space this flight proven EPIC LINK communications satellite hosts a Saab VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) payload for two-way communication between satellite and ground. The satellite is part of the collaborative AOS project, a project that is developing the next generation of space based VDES, bringing together AAC Clyde Space, Orbcomm and Saab.

The use of VDES provides much needed improvements to current AIS-based Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). With up to 32 times more bandwidth than AIS, VDES will enable a broader array of applications in maritime surveillance, encrypted communications, fishery, logistics, search and rescue and marine integrated applications. By adding space-based capability to VDES, the use of the system is extended from the shoreline to anywhere in the ocean.