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Aireon, a US satellite-based aircraft tracking and surveillance system operator, today announced the launch and deployment of the eighth and final launch of the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation that hosts the Aireon-based automatic surveillance-broadcast space (ADS- B).
The launch took place with the takeoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and placed the 10 Iridium NEXT final satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The launch raised the total number of Aireon in-orbit loads to 75 (66 operational loads and 9 parts), completing the historic launch program and surpassing one of the last milestones before Aireon introduced what it claims to be a new era of global air traffic and tracking of aircraft.
This latest launch brought the total number of Aireon loads into orbit to 75 (66 operational loads and 9 parts), completing the historic launch program and surpassing one of the last milestones before Aireon introduced a new era of global energy. traffic surveillance and aircraft tracking.
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Aireon is the world's first 100% global air traffic surveillance system and the company says it is revolutionizing the way the world travels with space-based technology.
Unlike the existing aircraft surveillance and tracking infrastructure, the Aireon system utilizes space-based ADS-B technology that enables automatic, real-time collection of aircraft position data. Aireon technology gives air traffic controllers and airlines a complete and comprehensive view of the sky as never before.
With this improved view of the world's flight routes, including those in remote and oceanic airspace, Aireon says the entire industry will experience significant direct and indirect benefits, such as increased safety, more efficient flight routes, more accurate arrival and departure predictions , response times, reduction of aircraft separation, reduction of CO2 emissions and more.
"Today we are passing an important milestone on our journey to revolutionize air traffic surveillance and we are only a few weeks away from a fully operational system," said Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon.
"Now that the launches are complete, the final integration and testing of the newly launched cargoes can begin, after which the first truly global view of real-time and real-time air traffic will become a reality.
"It is difficult to contain enthusiasm until we are formally operational, especially because from a performance standpoint, our technology has far exceeded expectations. Many people think this is the end of a journey, being the latest release of Iridium NEXT, but for us, this is the beginning of a new way to manage air traffic. "
Aireon says the system has surpassed all forecasts and is processing more than 13 billion ADS-B messages per month, with the number expected to grow after full deployment.
Air traffic controllers rely on the best and most accurate surveillance data possible to separate aircraft, which is often achieved through multiple redundant layers.
Aireon data will provide air traffic controllers with a fully redundant data feed that covers the entire airspace, increasing the availability and reliability of a critical component in air traffic management, with a positive impact on safety and efficiency. This, in turn, will help improve flight optimization, eliminate gaps in fleet data reporting, and ultimately improve the overall safety, accuracy, and efficiency of air travel worldwide.
"Aireon's space-based ADS-B network is exactly what the aviation industry needs," said Marion Blakey, a former administrator with the Federal Aviation Administration.
"During my time at the FAA, extensive work was done to promote ADS-B technology for global air traffic management efforts. Today's successful launch is not just a victory for Aireon but for the aviation industry as we are now one step closer to having a clear, accurate and complete picture of global airspace, including oceans and areas remote "
A total of 81 Iridium NEXT satellites were built, all with payload Aireon on board. There are now 75 satellites installed, with nine serving as spares in orbit and the remaining six as spares.
This latest launch marks the completion of the Iridium NEXT launch campaign successfully implementing the entire Aireon system.
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