Aireon had a lot of news to share in the Airspace World timeframe this year. Let’s start with a recap:
Aireon to Begin Next Phase of Space-Based VHF Deployment – Phase 2 of its work to bring space-based VHF communications to the aviation marketplace – launching development plans for a new equatorial satellite constellation. More
Introducing AireonVECTOR – Addressing the growing and dangerous threat GPS interference poses to aviation, AireonVECTOR, a suite of tools designed to help aviation stakeholders stay apprised in real-time of changes in the GPS signal reliability. More
Aireon Announces Partnership with Thales to Advance Strategic Air Traffic Flow Management – This collaboration brings together the AireonFLOW air traffic management data stream with Thales’ TopSky – Flow Manager. The partnership aims to deliver optimised air traffic flow solutions that reduce congestion, enhance predictability, and support more sustainable flight operations for Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), airlines, and airports. More
Global Airspace Radar had the opportunity to speak with Don Thoma, CEO, Aireon to better understand the importance of these announcements.
Interference
GPS interference is a growing problem. This is most easily defined as when the location of an aircraft is compromised. Information that is embedded in the ADS-B communication measures the precision of the signal. If the measurement is less than a certain value then the location is considered questionable.
Measuring 16,000 aircraft at any time results in 80% of the values from different satellites being the same. The AireonVECTOR (Validation & Enhanced Calculation of Tactical Operational Routing) suite of tools verify the integrity of GPS signals and provide alternative location information through the use of space-based ADS-B. This allows for spoofing and jamming to be identified and addressed.
Space-based VHF
In 2024, Aireon launched its Space-Based VHF Consortium with NATS, NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, Iridium, and other industry players. This brought together ATCO and airline needs to study the business case, technical feasibility and concept of operations for VHF. This led to the company filing for a spectrum license with the ITU. As seen in the announcement referenced above, phase 2 is now ready to launch.
Phase 2 focusses on development plans for a new equatorial satellite constellation consisting of up to 20 satellites to be in place by the 2028 timeframe. Goals for the next 12-18 months include:
- Finalisation of the desgins
- Engaging with industrial partners who would build the satellites
- Working with the above-mentioned user group to define how they use VHF to ensure a common approach to the solution
- Begin building, testing and certification with EASA.
The launch itself could be done in a phased in manner or all at once. This is yet to be determined.
