Satellite and Tracking Communications In general, there are two broad categories of satellite systems. The first and most widely known is geostationary or high-orbit satellites in equatorial orbit that appear to be stationary. Geostationary or geosynchronous satellites are approximately 36,000 kilometers or 23,320 miles above the Earth and rotate along with the earth. The second category is a low-earth-orbit (LEO) system which consists of satellites approximately 800 kilometers or 496 miles above the earth; these do not rotate with the earth. Both LEO and geosynchronous systems offer tracking and communications throughout a supply chain.

1. Satellite Benefits Smart containers and their CSDs using satellite tracking and communications can provide a virtual chain of custody from foreign origin to U.S. destination. The container can send information and data in real time or close to real time 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Messages from to and from the container can be simultaneously sent to multiple links in that chain, importer, exporter, carrier, or government agency. Unauthorized access into the container can be detected and reported as it happens. Diversions of the container can be detected, to include the container's reporting of its own hijacking. Identification of the person supervising its stuffing, verifying contents and arming the container's satellite security system at origin will be recorded. The identity of the person authorized to open the container at destination will also be recorded and included in all the electronic records of the container's movement. Satellite equipped containers not only can utilize these sensors and transmit immediately what was detected, but also send signals to make changes like temperature adjustments in the container as the need arises. Satellite applications even allow for remote unlocking of the doors.

Perhaps the best way to summarize its benefits is in relationship to the weaknesses of RFID smart containers. First, there is no need to acquire infrastructure for antennas or transceivers. Second, there is no need to install that infrastructure and equipment at these points around the world. Third, since there are no land-locked, global chokepoints, there is no need for their maintenance. Fourth, there is no concern for a common global frequency for transmissions. A single satellite provider can accommodate all transmissions in the licensed areas worldwide. Fifth, there is no need to have common global protocols. Sixth, all transmissions are in real time or close to real time and are not historical and delayed as with RFID. In other words, one knows about an unauthorized access to the container at the time it happens and before it arrives at the port of departure. Seventh, and probably most significant, it does not serve as a potential IED since it is not equivalent to random RF emissions. Instead, it is a programmed transmission within an established system for which there is a method of defeating its use as an IED transmission.

2. Satellite Weaknesses There are very few, if any weaknesses especially compared to RFID. Perhaps one most commonly pointed out is that to transmit globally, one needs a license from the countries over which the satellite transmits. This has not been shown to be a significant weakness. For instance Iridium can just about transmit in over every international trade lane. Another weakness is its inability to transmit from dead spots like below deck in the vessel. The fact is, it can if the carrier cooperates and joins with the shipper in providing the technology to do so. It is a matter of cost, not capability.

The Mystery There cannot be any serious comparison between RFID container applications and container Satellite tracking and communications applications. In every way satellite is superior. Yet government agencies like DHS and DOD continue to use and/or approve RFID for container control in a global supply chain, knowing that it can even serve as an IED. They do so at a time when the other trading nations of the world are developing satellite systems for container security. Just recently China began movement to test container satellite security systems, and it is rumored that China may even ban RFID for container security at its ports. The has instituted a special program called the Seventh Framework Program, a major component of which is to test and evaluate satellite container security systems.