Satellite-Based Air Traffic Services From Space Begin

Startical, an air traffic management developer, is set to begin tests of its satellite constellation to provide air traffic services from space.

The constellation, made up of 270 satellites, will be tested using satellites from NanoAvionics over six months. Specifically, Startical has chosen NanoAvionics’s MP42 microsatellite bus, weighing around 240 pounds, for the tests. 

Under the project, Startical will assess the performance of its VHF radio communication systems and the ADS-B surveillance systems directly from space. 

The test satellite is expected to become operational by 2025.

The tests follow the International Telecommunication Union’s approval last December 

of the use of aeronautical communications from space, which Startical calls a “historic milestone” for the aviation world.

“Our goal is to become the main global provider of air traffic management technology in the space segment, and a market leader in satellite surveillance and voice and data communications services,” said J. Enrique González Laguna, Startical’s CEO. “Our constellation will call on highly innovative and distinctive technological solutions, including the incorporation of pioneering links between satellites and the use of AI to make controlling them easier,

“Partnering with NanoAvionics will provide us with satellite technology and market-leading experience and allow us to test our new technology. This in turn will open new markets and services for us.”

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