Aireon, Searidge Partner For Space-Based ADS-B Data

searidge
Searidge Technologies’ digital tower recreates the scene at an airport.
Credit: Searidge Technologies

Aireon and Searidge Technologies announced a partnership on Mar. 10 to integrate satellite-routed position data from aircraft into Searidge’s “digital tower” platform for large airports.

Aireon’s space-based automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data will become one of the multiple data sources that feed into Searidge’s artificial intelligence-enabled digital tower system that presents information to controllers and airport operators.

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2019 to begin collaborating.

Ottawa, Canada-based Searidge supplies both digital and remote tower systems. Remote towers are typically associated with low-volume, small airports that can be controlled from a distance at another airport or remote tower center. 

A digital tower serves larger airports, creating a situational display from data sources including air traffic management, surveillance and weather systems. A digital tower is a cost-effective alternative to building a new air traffic control tower, according to Searidge, which has provided systems used in trials at Hong Kong International Airport and Singapore’s Changi Airport, as well as for a research laboratory at London Heathrow.

The Aireon system, which entered commercial operation in early 2019, uses receivers carried on Iridium Next satellites to capture positional signals from ADS-B transponder-equipped aircraft flying below.

“We have partnered with Aireon to make space-based ADS-B data seamlessly available to our customers,” Searidge chief architect Jean-Sebastien Meloche said. “We look forward to working with Aireon to be the first to offer space-based air traffic surveillance as part of a digital tower solution.”

Bill Carey

Bill covers business aviation and advanced air mobility for Aviation Week Network. A former newspaper reporter, he has also covered the airline industry, military aviation, commercial space and uncrewed aircraft systems. He is the author of 'Enter The Drones, The FAA and UAVs in America,' published in 2016.