Space-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) payload for In-Orbit Demonstration

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) is a technology that enables Air Traffic Management (ATM) services by means of aircraft broadcasting signals including flight related information on a regular basis. Terrestrial-based ADS-B infrastructure is already deployed as alternative or add-on to radars. However, it is not feasible for remote, polar, and oceanic areas, accounting for 71% of the world surface. Space-based ADS-B is an innovative technology that covers this gap by making use of satellites to provide global coverage. Thales Alenia Space Deutschland GmbH is leading the “Space Based ADS-B In-Orbit Demonstration Payload Development for Air Traffic Surveillance Project” (SABIP) under the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA) General Support Technology Program (GSTP). This project is mainly aimed at demonstrating the functionality of this technology under representative space environment conditions, and to verifying the link budget of this payload for the various ADS-B compatible equipment onboard aircraft on different geo-locations. This paper goes through the mission requirements that drive the payload system design and introduces an advanced architecture, consisting of a dedicated antenna and a receiver unit. Likewise, it introduces benefits behind the development of this technology. ESA´s support for the In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) of this technology, expected in the final phase of this project, is key to lower the technical risks and hence, helps introduce this new technology.