Seasats Introduces the Lightfish Security System: A Cost-Effective, Modular ASV for Persistent Maritime Domain Awareness

SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seasats, a U.S.-based developer of autonomous maritime systems, is pleased to announce the release of the Lightfish Security System, a turnkey autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) designed to support persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in littoral, harbor, and open-ocean environments.

The platform addresses critical operational needs in maritime domain awareness (MDA), port and coastal security, and remote infrastructure monitoring — whether tracking illegal fishing activity, trafficking operations, or other emerging threats.

The Lightfish Security System is engineered for multi-month endurance and rapid field deployment. Leveraging a low-profile, solar-powered hull with an onboard generator and lithium-ion battery system, the vessel can operate for many months continuously, tracking vessels many miles away without being seen itself. The system is non-ITAR, export-friendly, and designed for launch and recovery by one or two personnel via beach, ramp, or pier. Those features have driven early adoption and multiple Security Lightfish are now deployed through both vehicle sales and a Robotics-as-a-Service offering.

"There's a level of practicality that robotic platforms must have for maritime security," said Tom Reynolds, Chief Strategy Officer at Seasats. "If they're over-engineered, cost too much or have limited endurance, they may perform well in a demo, but that doesn't always translate to mission success."

Seasats CEO Mike Flanigan added "One of the unique things about the Lightfish in today's maritime autonomy market is its track record of successful long-duration autonomous missions. Thanks to its small size and well-engineered safety systems, the Lightfish has been approved to operate in high-traffic or remote areas in several countries, which differentiates us from many competitors."

Seasats' Lightfish series has been successfully deployed in exercises with the U.S. Navy, NOAA, and leading research institutions. The Security System represents a significant advancement in tactical ASV design, offering commercial and government stakeholders a low-cost, high-endurance solution for challenging maritime operations.

Core Capabilities:

• Multi-modal communications: Starlink, Iridium, cellular, MANET radio
• Redundant sensor package: Marine radar, HD and thermal cameras, AIS broadcast/receive, LiDAR
• Open systems architecture for integration with third-party C2 platforms
• Browser-based UI operable via secure tablet, laptop, or mobile device
• Launch/recovery in <10 minutes with man-portable components and no shipboard crane or davit required

Technical Specifications:

• Length: 11.4 feet
• Endurance: Multi-month
• Range: >6,000 nautical miles
• Cruise speed: 2.0 knots (max 4.5 knots)
• Power: 415W nominal solar + 100W generator
• Battery: 4.0 kWh lithium-ion
• Operational sea state: Up to Sea State 6
• Additional payload support: Underwater acoustics and broadband VHF monitoring and analysis

Learn more about the Lightfish Security System at www.seasats.com/security-lightfish-tech-sheet 

To request a technical briefing or schedule a live demonstration, please contact [email protected] or visit seasats.com/the-lightfish.

To track a Lightfish on its voyage from San Diego to Japan, visit the live tracker at track.seasats.com.

About Seasats

Seasats is a U.S.-based developer of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) designed for long-duration maritime operations in defense, science, and commercial sectors. The company's flagship Lightfish series combines multi-month endurance, advanced sensor integration, and modular payloads in a compact, cost-effective form factor. Backed by L3Harris and Shield Capital, Seasats systems have been deployed globally by leading naval, research, and security organizations to extend maritime domain awareness with minimal logistics and maximum flexibility. Learn more at www.seasats.com.

Media Contact:
Kelsey McGrew
Head of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]

SOURCE Seasats