GomX-1: A Nano-satellite Mission to Demonstrate Improved Situational Awareness for Air Traffic Control

Abstract

Since the launch of the first Cubesats in 2003 significant resources are now being invested worldwide in developing technologies and capabilities that allows nano-satellites to perform more meaningful missions in space. In November 2012 GomSpace will launch the GomX-1 nano-satellite, which features a payload capable of tracking from space trans-oceanic flights by reception of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signal emitted by the aircraft. The future potential uses for space based ADS-B are many and range from the optimization of air space procedures based on statistical data from a few nano-satellites to an operational real-time system for operational air traffic management. The GomX-1 mission will be the first ADS-B demonstration from space.