Ibadan, 19 February 2024. – Startical has selected NanoAvionics and GomSpace satellites to carry out the concept trials of its constellation, which will take air traffic control to space. The mission will take place after the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has given the green light to the use of aeronautical communications from space. As a result, the company will test the communication and surveillance systems of its future constellation of over 270 satellites set to provide air traffic services from space.
Startical has consequently chosen a GOMspace microsatellite of 20 kg and a NanoAvionics microsatellite weighing approximately 110 kg for a series of tests to assess the performance of its VHF radio communication and ADS-B surveillance systems. The first satellite to enter into operation will be GOMspace’s, which Startical will launch in the first term of 2025. On the other hand, NanoAvionics will provide its bus, integrate the payload supplied by Indra and launch its platform in mid-year 2025, executing the first mission operations and allowing Startical to take control of the ATM systems onboard.
J. Enrique González Laguna, CEO of Startical, stated, “Our goal is to become the main global provider of air traffic management technology in the space segment and a market leader in satellite surveillance and voice and data communications services. Our constellation will call on highly innovative and distinctive technological solutions, including the incorporation of pioneering links between satellites and the use of artificial intelligence to make controlling them easier.”
The CEO also added that, “NanoAvionics’s and GOMspace satellites technology and market-leading experience will provide us a partner to test our new technology, which in turn will open new markets and services. They understand our requirements and have the skills to perfectly address the task.”
