Blue Sky Network has unveiled Iridium satellite terminals for use in land vehicles and marine vessels. The D2000M/MD uses next-generation technology from Iridium for a much smaller form factor and more competitive pricing, Blue Sky said. The unit is the size of a car stereo and can be installed on a land vehicle or marine vessel to provide global two-way text messaging and GPS-based asset tracking.

Separately, International Communications Group (ICG) is introducing its MIS-200 dual-channel Maritime Iridium Communication System to provide simultaneous over-the-horizon voice and data links for patrol and interdiction vessels, according to a Sept. 13 company statement.

The MIS-200 serves as a communication link for an integrated over-the-horizon tactical asset tracking system, permitting two-way data links between patrol craft and the operations center. The satellite data channel allows continuous transmission of the vessel’s position coordinates, course, speed and time-stamp, and also permits the operations center to directly input data on targets of interest into the vessel’s navigation and guidance computer.