Skykraft Moves Closer to Providing Global Space-Enabled Air Traffic Management Services in 2026
Skykraft, an Australian company, has taken a significant step towards revolutionizing the aviation industry by providing global space-enabled air traffic management services. On Sunday, March 17th, 2024, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) accepted Skykraft’s spectrum filing for a constellation of 2976 satellites. This milestone brings Skykraft one step closer to launching the world’s first full-service space-enabled air traffic management service, which is set to begin operations in 2026.
The constellation, which will include 10 prototype satellites launched and tested in 2023, will provide a range of services that will make air travel safer, more sustainable, efficient, and resilient. In 2024, Skykraft plans to launch further pre-production satellites, followed by the rollout of the operational constellation in 2025 with the launch of 50 more satellites. The number of satellites will continue to grow in the following years, solidifying Skykraft’s position as a leader in space-enabled air traffic management services.
Skykraft has been working closely with air navigation service providers for the past three years to ensure that their services meet all necessary requirements. In 2023, Skykraft demonstrated the use of space-enabled VHF (very high frequency) in a joint trial with Airservices Australia. The trial, which leveraged Australia’s remote location, showcased the feasibility of direct communication between satellites and aircraft using their currently installed radios.
Furthermore, Skykraft has been actively supporting the work of the International Civil Aviation Organization to adapt existing international standards for the use of space-enabled services. This process was further bolstered by the ITU’s recent approval for the use of VHF aeronautical frequencies from space.
Voice and data radio communications in the VHF band are crucial for maintaining communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. With the use of satellites, this communication will now be possible on a global scale, providing real-time communication for the first time.
In addition to VHF communications, Skykraft’s constellation will also provide surveillance services using ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast) and UAT (universal access transceiver). These services will use position broadcasts from aircraft to provide timely data on aircraft positions to air traffic controllers.
The use of space-enabled services to support pilots and air traffic controllers will have numerous benefits, including:
– Improving safety by providing real-time communications to maintain correct separations between aircraft.
– Contributing to the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by allowing for more efficient flight routes.
– Increasing efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and flight delays, which have been estimated to cost US$67.5 billion per year in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
– Enhancing the resilience of air traffic management systems by providing high levels of redundancy, even in the event of satellite navigation system failures.
CEO of Skykraft, Dr. Michael Frater, expressed his excitement about the company’s progress, stating, “Skykraft looks forward to using this filing to contribute to global goals to improve safety, sustainability, efficiency, and capacity in aviation.” He also noted that Skykraft’s services will be available for testing in 2025 and operational service in 2026, bringing significant benefits to oceanic and remote regions while also improving performance in the world’s most congested airspace.
Skykraft’s Air Traffic Management Constellation is set to enter service in 2025. The company, which is headquartered in Australia, uses a small satellite approach and dedicated ATM infrastructure to deliver services to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANPSs) worldwide. Skykraft’s ATM Service introduces competition into a monopoly market and will reset performance expectations globally for space-enabled ATM.
For media inquiries, please contact Iwan Morris at iwan.morris@skykraft.com.au or by phone at +61 (0)408 137956.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.