ATC
Aireon To Offer Global Aircraft Tracking as 'Public Service'
The service will provide search-and-rescue organizations with the location and last flight track of any 1090 MHz ADS-B transponder-equipped aircraft.
Shown is an Iridium Next satellite. The new constellation will be placed in orbit between next year and 2017. (Image: Iridium Communications)
Shown is an Iridium Next satellite. The new constellation will be placed in orbit between next year and 2017. (Image: Iridium Communications)

Satellite-based surveillance developer Aireon will provide a free emergency tracking system for aircraft when the satellite constellation it will use is launched and operating, as expected, in 2017. Aireon announced the service on September 22, saying the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 earlier this year makes global emergency tracking “essential.”