24-satellite constellation could spot illegal fishing off Africa

Researchers at the University of Florida designed a 24-satellite constellation in a 20-degree orbit to monitor the Somali Basin. The system would cost about $347 million over five years, or roughly $25 per confirmed detection, against $11–13 billion in annual losses from illegal fishing in Africa.

• 24 satellites at 20-degree inclination revisit the basin every 1.1 hours versus 3.4 hours from polar orbits
• A 100 kg radar satellite images about 4.5 minutes per orbit and generates up to 690 GB a day
• Regional ground stations downlink only 120–360 GB daily, so sorting happens onboard
• Cost is $347 million over five years, about $25 per confirmed detection