Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s application to provide satellite communications for vehicles while in motion, which include “earth stations on vessels, vehicle-mounted earth stations, and earth stations aboard aircraft.” The approval is subject to certain limitations but paves the way for SpaceX to offer Ku-band airborne&nbsp;satcom using its Starlink satellite network. Public charter provider JSX is the first <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2022-04-22/spacex-signs-first-aircraft-operator-starlink-satcom">customer for airborne Starlink</a> and it expects to begin offering the service later this year.

 


According to the FCC, “Authorizing a new class of terminals for SpaceX’s satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a U.S. port, or while on a domestic or international flight.”

 


Although SpaceX has not responded to AIN’s questions about its airborne Starlink service and equipment, there is some related information in the FCC’s June 30 Order and Authorization. The document cites SpaceX’s plan to use “advanced phased-arrays [antennas]” that “use software to track its…satellite and platform motion…” The SpaceX description was in a response to a complaint by Viasat that Starlink antennas would have trouble with “antenna pointing adjustments necessary for working with moving platforms sufficiently quickly…and how they would accurately determine whether and to what extent they are mispointed as the result of movements in the underlying mobile platform.”

 


In the FCC document, “SpaceX notes that its ESIM [earth station in motion] terminals incorporate industry-standard technologies such as micro-electro-mechanical system, inertial measurement unit sensors, and GPS receivers as well as advanced phased-array antennas with efficient sidelobes to maintain correct point, detect mispointing, and cease transmission well within the 100-microsecond threshold to comply with requirements set forth in the Commission’s rules.”

 


SpaceX has not released any information about equipment that will be offered for airborne Starlink applications, nor any performance specifications&nbsp;or pricing.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

SpaceX Moves a Step Closer to Airborne Satcom Service

The FCC will allow SpaceX to provide satcom services to moving vehicles, including aircraft. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

Charles Alcock

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

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