Using satellite communication for aircraft automatic dependent surveillance

The authors provide a technical description and summarize the theory of operation of a prototype aircraft automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) system. The system operates between 1.5 to 1.7 GHz and uses the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARST) satellite network to periodically transmit the precise location of the aircraft, its altitude, and heading to a ground air traffic controller. This system is also used to transmit and receive data messages between the aircraft and ground locations. The authors also summarize the results of a series of test flights which included the first around-the-world ADS demonstration, and several flights between New Zealand and Antarctica. The test flights used three INMARST satellites located over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.<>