Master’s degree1,500 h · Online · 11 modules

Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

This master's gives you the skills to lead the use of satellite intelligence in maritime and naval security. You will learn to analyze geospatial data, run advanced surveillance and monitoring systems and support naval operations, mastering Earth observation, satellite AIS, synthetic aperture radar, optical imagery, GIS and machine learning to detect dark vessels, illegal fishing, trafficking, pollution and threats to critical infrastructure, within the legal, ethical and cybersecurity framework that governs maritime surveillance.

Duration1,500 h
ModeOnline
Start1 December
Modules11
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About the program

What is the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security?

This master's builds the full skill set of a maritime satellite intelligence analyst. You will start with Earth observation fundamentals, orbits, constellations, optical, SAR and hyperspectral sensors, Copernicus and NewSpace providers; move on to maritime domain awareness, fusion of AIS, coastal radar and satellite data and pattern-of-life analysis; track vessels with terrestrial and satellite AIS, LRIT and VMS, and detect AIS gaps, spoofing, dark ships and illicit transshipments; exploit SAR imagery for ship, oil spill and wake detection; work with very high resolution optical imagery, change detection and naval photo interpretation; apply AI to vessel classification and anomaly detection; study operational uses against piracy, drug trafficking, IUU fishing and sanctions evasion and in the protection of subsea cables and pipelines; and cover the law of the sea, data governance, satellite cybersecurity, OSINT and SIGINT, and the design of a satellite intelligence center.

What sets this master's apart: it follows the intelligence cycle end to end, from tasking a satellite and correlating SAR with AIS to producing, validating and sharing an intelligence report, instead of stopping at image processing; it serves both civilian maritime security and defense users, from coast guards and fisheries control to naval operations; and it closes with the design and management of a maritime satellite intelligence center and a Final Project in which you design a maritime surveillance system based on satellite intelligence.

Program typeMaster’s degree
ModeOnline
Duration1,500 hours
Modules11
Start1 December

Program highlights

  • Earth observation for security: orbits, revisit times, optical, SAR and hyperspectral sensors, Copernicus and NewSpace.
  • Maritime domain awareness: fusion of AIS, coastal radar and satellite data, CISE, pattern-of-life analysis and alerts.
  • Vessel tracking with satellite AIS, LRIT and VMS: AIS gaps and spoofing, dark ships, encounters and sanctions evasion.
  • SAR and optical imagery: ship and wake detection, oil spills, SAR-AIS correlation, change detection and photo interpretation.
  • AI for vessel classification, behavioral anomaly detection, route prediction and alert automation.
  • Law of the sea, data governance, satellite cybersecurity, OSINT and SIGINT, and design of an intelligence center.
Syllabus

Syllabus of the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

11 modules. Select a module to see its content.

Module 1

Fundamentals of satellite intelligence

  • 1.1. Principles of Earth observation
  • 1.2. Orbits, constellations and revisit times
  • 1.3. Optical, SAR radar and hyperspectral sensors
  • 1.4. The Copernicus program and commercial services
  • 1.5. Applications in maritime security
  • 1.6. Spatial, spectral and temporal resolution
  • 1.7. Small satellites and NewSpace
  • 1.8. Image acquisition and tasking
  • 1.9. Ground segment and data distribution
  • 1.10. Data costs and licensing
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 2

Maritime domain awareness (MDA)

  • 2.1. The concept of maritime domain awareness
  • 2.2. Source fusion: AIS, coastal radar and satellite
  • 2.3. Surveillance centers and international cooperation
  • 2.4. Indicators of suspicious activity
  • 2.5. Use cases in the EU and NATO
  • 2.6. Architecture of maritime surveillance systems
  • 2.7. Information sharing through CISE
  • 2.8. Pattern-of-life analysis
  • 2.9. Alerts and prioritization
  • 2.10. Intelligence products
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 3

Satellite AIS and vessel tracking

  • 3.1. How terrestrial and satellite AIS work
  • 3.2. Detection of AIS switch-offs and spoofing
  • 3.3. LRIT and VMS
  • 3.4. Trajectory analysis
  • 3.5. Dark vessels and illicit transshipments
  • 3.6. Vessel and ownership databases
  • 3.7. Port call analysis
  • 3.8. Encounters at sea
  • 3.9. Sanctions and evasion
  • 3.10. Tracking reports
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 4

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

  • 4.1. Principles of SAR
  • 4.2. Ship detection in SAR images
  • 4.3. Oil spill detection
  • 4.4. Limitations and false alarms
  • 4.5. SAR-AIS correlation
  • 4.6. Polarizations and acquisition modes
  • 4.7. Estimation of size and heading
  • 4.8. Wake detection
  • 4.9. Surveillance at night and under cloud cover
  • 4.10. SAR processing tools
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 5

Optical imagery and geospatial analysis

  • 5.1. Multispectral image processing
  • 5.2. GIS tools for the maritime environment
  • 5.3. Surveillance of ports and infrastructure
  • 5.4. Risk mapping
  • 5.5. Intelligence visualization
  • 5.6. Very high resolution imagery
  • 5.7. Change detection
  • 5.8. Port activity analysis
  • 5.9. Naval photo interpretation
  • 5.10. Imagery reports
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 6

Applied artificial intelligence

  • 6.1. Machine learning for object detection
  • 6.2. Vessel classification
  • 6.3. Detection of behavioral anomalies
  • 6.4. Predictive route models
  • 6.5. Model validation and bias
  • 6.6. Training datasets
  • 6.7. Convolutional neural networks
  • 6.8. Onboard satellite processing
  • 6.9. Alert automation
  • 6.10. Model performance evaluation
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 7

Operational security applications

  • 7.1. Countering piracy and drug trafficking
  • 7.2. Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
  • 7.3. Irregular migration and search and rescue
  • 7.4. Protection of critical subsea infrastructure
  • 7.5. Pollution response
  • 7.6. Sanctions enforcement and illicit trade
  • 7.7. Security of cables and pipelines
  • 7.8. Support to naval operations
  • 7.9. Maritime border surveillance
  • 7.10. Case studies
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 8

Legal, ethical and cybersecurity framework

  • 8.1. Law of the sea and jurisdiction
  • 8.2. Privacy and data protection
  • 8.3. Intelligence sharing between agencies
  • 8.4. Security of the space and ground segments
  • 8.5. Satellite data governance
  • 8.6. Legal framework for the use of satellite imagery
  • 8.7. Information classification
  • 8.8. Ethics of surveillance
  • 8.9. Cyberattacks on satellites
  • 8.10. European space policy
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 9

Complementary sources and maritime intelligence fusion

  • 9.1. Maritime open-source intelligence (OSINT)
  • 9.2. Signals and radio frequency intelligence from space
  • 9.3. Coastal radar and VTS systems
  • 9.4. Drones and maritime patrol aircraft
  • 9.5. Human intelligence and law enforcement cooperation
  • 9.6. Multisource data fusion
  • 9.7. Analysis of vessel ownership networks
  • 9.8. Geospatial analysis platforms
  • 9.9. Validation and reliability of information
  • 9.10. Writing intelligence reports
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 10

Design and management of a maritime satellite intelligence center

  • 10.1. Architecture of a surveillance center
  • 10.2. Analysis workflow
  • 10.3. Organization of analyst teams
  • 10.4. Exploitation tools and software
  • 10.5. Management of requests for information
  • 10.6. Coordination with national and international agencies
  • 10.7. Performance indicators
  • 10.8. Information security
  • 10.9. Budget and sustainability of the service
  • 10.10. Implementation plan for a center
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Module 11

Final Project

  • 11.1. Definition of the problem, objectives and scope of the project: a maritime surveillance system based on satellite intelligence
  • 11.2. Review of the state of the art and the applicable regulatory framework
  • 11.3. Methodology, resources and work planning
  • 11.4. Technical development and analysis of results
  • 11.5. Conclusions, feasibility and future lines of work
  • 11.6. Writing of the final report and defense before a panel
  • 11.7. Choice of topic and definition of the research problem
  • 11.8. Formulation of objectives, hypotheses and scope of the work
  • 11.9. Analysis of the applicable regulatory and technical framework
  • 11.10. Design of the methodology and the work plan
At this stage
136 hestimated workload
11 wkweeks at your pace
Plan your pace

Duration and format of the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.

4 h30 h
With 12 h per week
29
months to finish
125 weeks
weeks in total

This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.

Faculty

Academic leadership and faculty

The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.

Dra. Marina AlcoverDr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesEng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerDr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatDr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsEng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaEng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraEng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration Coordinator
Objectives

Objectives of the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

01Manage maritime surveillance operations, integrating information from multiple sources, such as satellite imagery, radar, AIS, cameras and communications, to build an accurate situational picture and act on it.
02Assess maritime threats accurately, combining AIS and radar information, weather data and an evaluation of ship and cargo vulnerabilities to anticipate risks and mitigate them proactively.
03Improve strategic naval decision-making by anticipating threats and vulnerabilities, weighing risks and opportunities and selecting the best course of action in light of naval doctrine, available intelligence and own and adversary capabilities.
04Develop predictive models of maritime behavior that combine AIS, weather and historical data to forecast traffic patterns, identify anomalies and optimize routes, communicating predictions clearly to their users.
05Implement early warning systems for maritime incidents, integrating AIS, weather and position data, assessing risks proactively and reporting findings to the relevant authorities.
06Integrate satellite data to improve maritime navigation, using satellite-derived information on ocean currents and wave height to optimize routes and reduce fuel consumption while protecting cargo safety and crew comfort.
Careers

Career opportunities after the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

01Naval or maritime intelligence analystprocessing and analysis of satellite data to detect and track maritime threats.
02Naval operations officerintegration of satellite intelligence into the planning and execution of naval and coast guard operations.
03Maritime security specialist or maritime risk analystdesign of security strategies and assessment of risks and vulnerabilities based on satellite data.
04Satellite intelligence consultantadvice to companies and organizations on the use of satellite intelligence for maritime security.
05Maritime security researcher or satellite security project managerdevelopment of new methods and technologies and management of related projects.
06Liaison officer with space agencies and data providerscoordination of access to and use of satellite data for maritime security.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Master's in Satellite Intelligence Applications for Naval Security

It covers both. The core is naval and maritime security, with applications for navies and defense as well as for coast guards, fisheries control, border surveillance, pollution response and sanctions enforcement.

The naval security and defense sector, together with the public agencies, companies and consultancies that provide maritime surveillance and satellite intelligence services.

Optical and SAR satellite imagery, terrestrial and satellite AIS, LRIT and VMS, coastal radar and VTS, open-source intelligence and radio frequency data collected from space, fused into a single maritime picture.

It helps but is not essential. The program starts with Earth observation fundamentals, and knowledge of GIS, programming or maritime security is valued during admission.

Yes. A full module covers the law of the sea and jurisdiction, privacy and data protection, information classification, intelligence sharing, the ethics of surveillance and the legal framework for satellite imagery.

Online, with live and recorded classes and practical case studies based on real data, designed for working professionals.

Through practical exercises such as vessel tracking reports, SAR and optical image analysis, anomaly detection with AI models and intelligence reports, together with the Final Project.

A Final Project in which you design a maritime surveillance system based on satellite intelligence, from the problem definition and regulatory framework to the technical development, results and defense before a panel.

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Online admission

Admission process

No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.

Entry requirements
  • Profile: aimed at navy, coast guard and merchant marine officers, intelligence and security analysts, engineers and data scientists, consultants in the maritime and defense sector, and graduates in engineering, science or security studies; a degree in telecommunications, computer, aerospace or naval engineering, physics, mathematics or a related field, or demonstrable professional experience in naval security, intelligence or defense, is recommended, and knowledge of remote sensing, signal processing, programming, GIS or maritime security is valued.
  • Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
  • Technical resources: a computer with a camera and microphone, a high-speed internet connection, the specific software indicated at the start of the program and familiarity with videoconferencing platforms.
  • Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
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