A publication of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Issue link: http://natca.uberflip.com/i/654612
o Meeting scheduled at ZBW for March 1 6th to discuss a path forward for Merging and Spacing Operations, a precursor to Flightdeck Interval Management (FIM) and Advanced IM applications. • Space Based ADS - B: o The SBS Article 48 Work Group was privileged to attend tours of Orbital Sciences, Iridium , and Space - X on March 3 - 4. Orbital Sciences if charged with assembly of the Iridium Next satellite constellation. The primary payload is responsible for satellite phone and similar comm systems. In addition, the satellite will host an Aireon ADS - B pay load capable of providing se amless worldwide surveillance. The assembly process is quite technic al and impressive in its scale. The early assembly process is a bit slower than later stages as the processes and end product are subjected to more scrutiny. Once cleared for higher rate production, one satellite every six days will be the expected norm. A total of 81 satellites are scheduled to be produced. Iridium's control center demonstrated their highly specialized testing and control facility. A fully functional backup control center is maintained at the Phoenix location capable of monitor and con trol of the satellite network. On - site testing of satellite communications equipment and ADS - B are performed in st ringent laboratory conditions. Actual satel lites are subjected to isolated, injected data tests. Surprisingly, even in the enclosed environment , the ADS - B antennas on the satellite can still pick up ADS - B air traffic in the Phoenix area. Space - X is the prime contractor responsible for launching the Iridium Next satellites. The facility in Los Angeles is capable of manufactu ring their rocket deliv ery system from the ground up. From rocket engines, to fuel bodies the height of a small building, to advanced payload capsules, this facility manufactur es it all. It felt very much as if we were stepping back into the days of Apollo missi ons, but so much more advanced. Truly an amazing facility. The Space - X Falcon 9 launch system has a two - stage rocket with the first stage designed to have enough fuel to f ly the booster rockets back and land vertically with a system of aerodynamic fins, leg ex tensions, and gimbaled thrust. The Iridium/Aireon satellites are expected to be launched 10 at a time via t he Falcon 9. Iridium launches are expected to be complete by late 2017. • Vehicle ADS - B: o Deployment efforts are und erway at LAX, CLE, CLT and MEM. o Outreach briefings took place at IAH and HOU in mid - February. The team would like to thank both facilities fo r their hospitality.