[Avionics Magazine 01-23-2017] Aireon’s automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) service is set to go into outer space again, the company said. Just four days after the successful launch of the first 10 Iridium NEXT satellites, Aireon announced it has signed a data services agreement with Icelandic air navigation service provider Isavia. And for the first time, AireonSM will provide services in the region extending from 70 degrees north to the North Pole.
Isavia Director Asgeir Palsson and Aireon Vice President of Aviation Services Cyriel Kronenburg sign space-based ADS-B Data Services Agreement for Reykjavik Oceanic Control Area. Photo: Aireon.
The agreement covers support for real-time air traffic surveillance in more than 3 million square miles of airspace. It will deploy the service throughout the Reykjavik Oceanic Control Area (OCA). Aireon is currently working with NAV CANADA and UK NATS to introduce the service for oceanic crossings in the North Atlantic.
Isavia is set to conduct flight trials in polar airspace north of 70 degrees to evaluate the expected benefits of the new surveillance capabilities.