Thales, Spire Global and European Satellite Services Provider have signed a memorandum of cooperation to develop an air traffic management service based on a constellation of over 100 satellites.
According to Christian Rivierre, Thales’ vice president for airspace mobility solutions, the planned “air traffic control as a service” will be the basis for a safer, more cost-effective, environmentally friendly system for managing aircraft flights.
“Additionally, this new solution will also draw on the competencies of Thales Alenia Space satellite-based surveillance systems,” he said.
Under the cooperation agreement, Thales will supply the ground air traffic management system and the service supervision network. The services will be based on real-time satellite data on automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast aircraft messages.
Spire will oversee the space segment, including spacecraft development and satellite payloads, while ESSP’s tasks will cover service delivery and certification to ensure compliance with air traffic control regulations.
The partners will also use the space alliance Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio created to explore potential technological synergies for optimal network operations and services.
Plans call for the new air traffic management offering to start by 2027.