Aireon is launching Phase 2 of its work to bring space-based VHF communications to the aviation marketplace – launching development plans for a new equatorial satellite constellation.
Aireon is advancing plans to launch up to 20 satellites in an equatorial orbit in the 2028 timeframe. In addition to VHF, this new constellation will also advance Aireon’s core air traffic surveillance and commercial data capabilities for Aireon customers, further enhancing space‑based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS‑B) coverage, multilateration accuracy, and overall data resiliency for aviation customers.
“As the only company in the world that has developed, launched and certified an operational, safety-grade surveillance network from space, Aireon is uniquely positioned to bring space-based VHF communications from concept to reality. This constellation is a natural extension of our current network to bring enhanced capabilities to our customer base,” said Don Thoma, Aireon CEO.
Starting this year, Aireon will begin the process of identifying vendors for the development of satellites and associated systems for the new satellites. The team will work together through the development, initial testing, and deployment of satellites targeted for the 2028 timeframe.
In 2024, Aireon launched its Space-Based VHF Consortium with NATS, NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, Iridium and others. In the past year, the group studied the business case, technical feasibility and concept of operations for VHF, leading to a filing for a spectrum license with the ITU.
Aireon and its partners have worked in close coordination with regulatory and standards-making bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and others. Dr. Michael Garcia, Aireon’s Chief Innovation Scientist, participates in the standards development and serves as Lead Editor of an ICAO Manual on Space-Based VHF Communication Systems.
“Space-based VHF holds a great deal of promise for the aviation industry, and it’ll take an industry-wide effort to deploy it and bring it into operation. The participation of our partners NAV CANADA, Iridium, NATS, and Air Nav Ireland, has been instrumental in the work we have achieved so far,” Garcia said.
