ESA is embarking on development of an entirely new approach to how air traffic will be managed. Making this a reality will require a new programme line in the European Space Agency's Telecommunications Department to be called IRIS.
IRIS will contribute to an initiative of the European Commission called 'the Single European Sky', which intends to change the future structure of air traffic control across Europe. ESA, with the support of the European space industry, Eurocontrol, Air Navigation Service Providers and national space agencies is preparing to carry out all the necessary work.
ESA has prepared this special webpage on this exciting new horizon for satellite telecommunications. Bookmark it to learn more on ATM via satellite and ESA's role in bringing it to Europe.
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The need to improve Air Traffic Management in Europe |
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The Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme The EU is moving towards implementation of the Single European Sky policy, supported by the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) project for implementing a new Air Traffic Management (ATM) administrative, operational and technical concept. read more |
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Why satellite Due to congestion in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band all levels of civil aviation authorities recognise that a new system in another frequency band needs to be developed in the near future. SatComs have the advantage of using different frequency bands. read more |
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ESA's role and work accomplished and underway One of the European Space Agency's main mandates is to support space-based applications for the benefit of the European citizen. read more |
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Benefits to Member States Member States will benefit from a more efficient proposed solution for ATM. They will once again be able to prove the value of the investment in satellite technologies made in past years. read more |
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Acronyms & Abbreviations for Satellite communications for Air Traffic Management read more |
all images ESA
