Singapore to study use of communications satellite to allow pilots to talk to air traffic control
A study to examine the benefits of a space-based system to allow pilots to talk to air traffic controllers will see Singapore involved in the launch of a communication satellite into space. It is the first such study of its kind and if successful, will help to shape international aviation laws and make air travel safer, said the four organisations involved. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Economic Development Board's Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) will work with two firms to launch a purpose-built satellite carrying communications equipment into space next year. CAAS and OSTIn signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday (June 21) with air transport IT firm Sita and satellite platform Startical for the one-year study to improve communications in air traffic control. In a joint statement, the organisations noted that as current Very High Frequency (VHF) stations are ground-based, there is limited or no VHF voice communications coverage over oceanic, mountainous or remote areas beyond the range of ground-based stations. Pilots and air traffic controllers communicate via VHF voice communications in instances such as aircraft landing or change in flight paths. "Space-based VHF voice communications will have more comprehensive coverage, which helps to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management," they added.<br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2022-06-23/general/singapore-to-study-use-of-communications-satellite-to-allow-pilots-to-talk-to-air-traffic-control
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Singapore to study use of communications satellite to allow pilots to talk to air traffic control
A study to examine the benefits of a space-based system to allow pilots to talk to air traffic controllers will see Singapore involved in the launch of a communication satellite into space. It is the first such study of its kind and if successful, will help to shape international aviation laws and make air travel safer, said the four organisations involved. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Economic Development Board's Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) will work with two firms to launch a purpose-built satellite carrying communications equipment into space next year. CAAS and OSTIn signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday (June 21) with air transport IT firm Sita and satellite platform Startical for the one-year study to improve communications in air traffic control. In a joint statement, the organisations noted that as current Very High Frequency (VHF) stations are ground-based, there is limited or no VHF voice communications coverage over oceanic, mountainous or remote areas beyond the range of ground-based stations. Pilots and air traffic controllers communicate via VHF voice communications in instances such as aircraft landing or change in flight paths. "Space-based VHF voice communications will have more comprehensive coverage, which helps to enhance the safety and efficiency of air traffic management," they added.<br/>
