2 November 2010

Astrium, has been awarded a study to assess the provision of satellite services for accurately tracking aircraft over remote locations, particularly over the oceans.

Astrium Services will undertake the Satellite Oceanic Position Tracking Improvement and Monitoring Initiative (SAT-OPTIMI) to propose innovative satellite solutions for improving aircraft safety and optimising coordination between both air transit services and search and rescue services in remote or oceanic areas.

Eric Béranger, CEO, Astrium Services said: “Astrium is a recognised expert in providing dependable satellite services worldwide with high availability. Through this study, Astrium is playing an important role in enabling Europe to develop a reliable and effective system using innovative solutions, such as advanced aeronautical services to improve the safety of flights.”

"By taking advantage of the fully-integrated resources and skills across the business and building upon the range of cutting-edge technologies already at our disposal, Astrium Services is determined to play a key role in developing solutions that in future will dramatically enhance the safety of air traffic across our skies”.

The five-month study has been awarded by the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Joint Undertaking, one of the most ambitious research and development projects ever launched in Europe, which is tasked with developing a modernised ATM system..

Astrium Services’ SAT-OPTIMI study will provide a comprehensive assessment of the satellite infrastructure that can enhance the positional tracking and monitoring of aircraft. The study will also consider cutting-edge solutions, such as satellite communications technologies able to provide continuous access to flight data and cockpit voice (“Black Box”) recorders.

Astrium Services will contribute to solutions that are both technically feasible and economically viable to access in-flight positioning and monitoring data. These solutions are intended to help speed up rescue reaction times and accident analysis and diagnosis over the oceans in the near term.

As part of the study, Astrium Services will work closely with France’s General Directorate for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and STAR Navigation Systems of Canada.