Tags: European Space Agency, Cubesat, Nanosatellite, ADS-B
Publication: ESA.int
Publication Date: 06/13/2013

Proba V satellite. The ‘V’ in its name stands for Vegetation but it also carries a number of payloads to test new technologies in space. Image credit: ESA

ESA’s Proba V has become the first satellite to pick up aircraft tracking signals, allowing aircraft across the globe to be followed in flight from space. The milestone proves that traffic control signals can be detected from space without upgraded aircraft equipment.

While the small cubesat’s main mission was to map vegetation growth across the planet, it was also launched with the idea of testing a number of technologies in space, serving as a miniature research lab. One of these technologies was an experiment to detect Automatic Dependent Broadcast – Surveillance (ADS-B) signals from aircraft.

ADS-B signals provide speed, position and altitude information from an airplane. The signals are transmitted to ground systems that are not as ubiquitous as experts would like. For instance, it is not feasible to install a monitoring station in the middle of the ocean or remote regions. Monitoring ADS-B signals from space would mean more continuous tracking, which brings about numerous benefits such as more safety, better and more efficient routes for aircraft, boosting traffic capacity and cutting aircraft fuel consumption.

 Full story