GomSpace, ST Electronics & CAAS sign MoU for first space-based VHF communications in the world

Image courtesy of CAAS.

Today, Danish nanosatellite operator GomSpace A/S signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore company ST Electronics and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

The MoU is for the development and deployment of space-based Very High Frequency (VHF) communications for air traffic management in and around Singapore, and took place during the World Civil Aviation Chief Executives Programme at the Singapore Aviation Academy.

Under the MoU, VHF communications equipment will be mounted on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to enable real-time communication between air traffic controllers and pilots, reaching areas not covered by ground-based services.

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GomSpace will provide the nanosatellites, with ST Electronics managing the air traffic management systems and equipment, and CAAS managing the air traffic flows.

The MOU was signed by Mr Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS, Mr Tang Kum Chuen, President of Satellite Systems Business, ST Electronics, and Mr Niels Buus, CEO of GomSpace.

“With this collaboration, Singapore will be the first country in the world to move towards space-based VHF communications,” said Shum.

“This MOU marks a significant step in exploring the application of space-based technology to enable smart air traffic operations.  We will leverage our capabilities in satellite and communications system design in the development of the spaced-based VHF communications system,” added Tang.

“We will bring about significant new opportunities for Air Navigation Service Providers and airlines to increase safety and air traffic management capacity while reducing operations costs,” said Buus.

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