In a recent filing through Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Aireon outlined plans to expand its satellite constellation. The new payloads will integrate VHF and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology, delivering robust communications and surveillance services for aircraft in oceanic and remote regions lacking ground-based infrastructure.
Aireon, recognized for its safety-certified, global ADS-B system, initiated its exploration of space-based VHF communications in 2023 by establishing the Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition. This collaborative effort, including key members like Iridium, NAV CANADA, NATS, and AirNav Ireland, focuses on defining operational concepts, technical specifications, and a comprehensive business case for space-based VHF. Aireon has since broadened its engagement with industry stakeholders who value reliable, safety-certified data for aviation.
Collaborating with global regulatory and standards bodies such as ICAO, RTCA, EUROCAE, EASA, ISED, and ITU, Aireon continues to shape the framework for space-based VHF services. This includes developing requirements, coordinating technical standards, and planning for operational deployment.
"Aireon is uniquely positioned to bring space-based VHF to the aviation marketplace. We know how to deploy space-based services for the aviation industry and put them in operational use because we've done it before with ADS-B. We have applied that same approach of innovation, safety, and operations focus to our study of space-based VHF," said Dr. Michael Garcia, Aireon Chief Innovation Scientist.
"This filing is a significant first step in our continual path to advance aviation and bring new capabilities to our customers," Garcia added. In addition to his leadership at Aireon, Garcia co-chairs EUROCAE standards groups and serves as lead editor of the ICAO Space-Based VHF Manual.
Aireon's Coalition and industry partners are actively evaluating design, development, deployment, and operational strategies for space-based VHF technology.
"NAV CANADA is excited to work with Aireon to operationalize Space-Based VHF service, building on the success Aireon and NAV CANADA have had implementing industry revolutionizing technology. With Canada's Oceanic and Arctic airspaces, this technology has significant potential," commented Warren Gosselin, Assistant Vice-President of CNS Solutions, NAV CANADA.
Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon, highlighted the significance of this milestone: "The Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition has made significant advancements to bring this valuable capability to the market. Aireon is the leader in space-based communications, navigation and surveillance technology innovation for the aviation industry, and the addition of space-based VHF will allow our customers to get more value from our already-proven global space-based ADS-B surveillance services."
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