Satellite communications provider Iridium may make space available on its next-generation satellites for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) receivers, making possible global surveillance of aircraft, with emphasis on oceanic flights in non-radar airspace.
Speaking at a recent conference in Williamsburg, Va., Iridium CEO Matthew Desch said the company has entered talks with aerospace companies and air navigation service providers to deliver an ADS-B payload on each of 66 Iridium Next replacement satellites, scheduled to launch from 2015 to 2017. Desch said the “one-way” surveillance feed to ground ATC providers would complement ADS-B systems under deployment in U.S. and other domestic airspace and support aircraft equipage mandates. Europe will require aircraft to broadcast ADS-B position reports starting in 2015; in the U.S. 2020 stands as the deadline.
