Mary-Louise Hoffman
Iridium Communications has integrated an Aireon-built air traffic surveillance payload system into a NEXT satellite that is scheduled to go into space between 2015 and 2017.
Aireon will utilize the hosted Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast receiver payload to help the aviation industry access information about aircraft position and status, Iridium said Monday.
The payload integration effort “brings the Iridium NEXT constellation one step closer to hosting the first truly global surveillance and tracking service,” said Iridium CEO Matt Desch.
The company expects the service to reach full operational capability in 2018.
Aireon is a joint venture between Iridium and international air traffic control organizations Nav Canada, Naviair, ENAV and the Irish Aviation Authority.
