Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon. Photo: Aireon

[Via Satellite 03-10-2014] Aireon has completed the qualification testing for the receiver payload in its space-based global air traffic surveillance system. The completion of this testing, which determines how well the payload will operate in a space environment, is a key factor for validating that the payload and system design will provide robust reception of ADS-B signals from space.

Aireon will now begin production of 81 ADS-B 1090 Extended Squitter (ES) receiver payloads, designed by Harris Corporation, which will be hosted on the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation in 2015. The payloads will complement ground-based air traffic surveillance systems by relaying position and status information of aircraft flying over oceans, poles and remote regions to air traffic controllers on the ground.

“Completing the testing and space qualification of the Harris payload receivers is a key milestone for both Aireon and for Iridium NEXT,” said Don Thoma, president & CEO, Aireon.