Satellite-Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Operations Flight Test

By 2020 nearly all US aircraft must be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) to fly in the National Airspace (NAS). This proposal is to fly a surrogate satellite ADS-B system at high altitude to evaluate overhead reception by future satellite platforms of both Universal Access Transceiver (UAT; 978 MHz) and 1090 Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B signals from operational aircraft and ADS-B ground stations. The proposed flight opportunity will evaluate the collection of operational ADS-B signals from a relevant near space environment. Problem Statement This experiment will evaluate high-altitude collection of the 978 MHz UAT ADS-B signal for the first time. This is significant as this has been identified by the FAA as the ADS-B signal that could be used for satellite-based ADS-B implementations in the future. Until satellite-based ADS-B is operational, a balloon-based capability such as this could be used (on-demand) to augment the existing ADS-B system’s ability to track aircraft where there are currently gaps in ADS-B coverage including coastal areas to track trans-oceanic aircraft well beyond line of sight of deployed ADS-B ground based terminals and in mountainous regions where there are gaps in coverage below certain altitudes. Technology Maturation A balloon-based system to track all ADS-B equipped aircraft for a 350+ mile radius would also be an enabling technology for a mobile range capability to enhance flight safety for launches from remote locations where surveillance capability of aircraft in the area is inadequate. This capability would also augment/ improve downrange surveillance capability for commercial spaceports and government ranges.

Basing ADS-B receivers on satellites would benefit currently-funded FAA missions and future DoD and NASA missions by enhancing automated air traffic control over currently non-covered areas.

This is a mature technology (TRL 8) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.