Iris: messenger between space and aircraft cockpit, ESA new Programme for Air Traffic Management communications via satellite.
- Paper number
IAC-08.B2.2.5
- Author
Ms. Nathalie RICARD, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Franco Ongaro, European Space Agency (ESA), France
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Air Traffic Management (ATM) operational procedures are based on technologies introduced in the 1950’s, and communications are still mainly based on voice exchanges between flight controllers and pilots. The way forward, currently foreseen for 2020, is to introduce data exchange as the primary means of communication between pilots and control centres. To restructure European airspace and develop the future ATM System, the European Commission has put forward the Single European Sky Regulation, and its associated R&D effort the SESAR Programme. Its work programme foresees the development of two new Air/Ground communication links in dense continental airspace: one terrestrial and one satellite based. As currently existing satellite systems and communication protocols are not suitable for such role, a new aeronautical mobile satellite communications system is required to support this vision. Supporting space-based applications for the benefit of the European citizen is one of the European Space Agency’s main mandates, and is at the core of its Advanced Research in Telecommunications Programme (ARTES). A dedicated ARTES Element called “Iris” has been implemented with close coordination with the European Commission, Eurocontrol, Air Navigation Service Providers and the SESAR Joint Undertaking to design a satellite solution for ATM and to contribute to its implementation. The first phase of the programme is underway, defining a new satellite–based communication standard, with communication protocols optimized for ATM data traffic and seamless integration with existing user interface equipment in the cockpit. This communication system shall be standardised before implementation of any satellite system over European airspace can take place, since aviation standards and protocols need to be adopted worldwide through the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Besides definition of the new satellite communications standard, the Iris Programme defines the satellite system infrastructure required for the provision of pan-European service, including preparation of the business case for integration into SESAR’s overall infrastructure. Different satellite architecture options are being envisaged for European-wide deployment, with possible complementary coverage of areas of northern latitude. The present paper shall provide the results of the technical trade-off carried out for the definition of the communication standard, and explain the rationale for selecting a specific satellite system architecture to get the best end-to-end performance over Europe.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B2.2.5.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.