Skykraft delivers space-based VHF communication for Air Traffic Management

Canberra satellite manufacturer Skykraft has completed what it calls a world first trial of space-based VHF voice communications as part of their development of satellites to provide space-based aviation communications and surveillance services.

Voice radio communications in the VHF band are used for communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, with VHF radios standard aircraft equipment but only useful when an aircraft is within range of a ground-based radio.

Skykraft’s trial of space-based voice communications in the VHF aviation band demonstrated the feasibility of satellite communication directly with aircraft using existing equipment, according to the company.

The use of satellites in place of ground-based radio systems will enable global real-time communications between pilots and air traffic controllers for the first time.

CEO of Skykraft Dr Michael Frater said: “We are proud to have taken another step to bringing this world-first capability to market,

“VHF voice and data communication that covers the entire extent of an aircraft’s journey is the missing piece for Air Traffic Management and will unlock efficiency gains globally.”

The testing in collaboration with Airservices Australia took place in the southern area of Australia’s Flight Information Region.

The five satellites used for this trial of VHF voice services have undergone six weeks of successful operational testing prior to the trials of space-based ATM services.

Skykraft’s initial satellite constellation continues to be under rapid development with two launches already in 2023, and more planned for 2024.

Chair of Skykraft Mark Skidmore said: “The success of the current round of test activities is a tribute to the capabilities of the engineering team at Skykraft.

“We recognised the need to deliver these space-based ATM services to ANSPs (Air Navigation Service Providers) as soon as possible and our team of engineers, project managers and technicians has delivered.”

Skykraft is developing a constellation of more than 200 satellites in low-earth orbit to provide global air traffic management services from space providing:

• Surveillance services using ADS-B and UAT
• VHF voice and data communications
• independent aircraft position data in the event of GNSS failure
• And multilateration services for validation of ADS-B and UAT messages received from aircraft.

Further reading:
Browse @AuManufacturing’s coverage of Skykraft here.

Picture: Airservices Australia