Photo: Startical
Startical, a collaboration between ENAIRE and Indra, has launched its first satellite, IOD-1 (In-Orbit Demonstrator-1), as part of the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The satellite was integrated and deployed by Exolaunch, while Danish firm GomSpace handled its manufacturing. Indra,...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
Startical, a collaboration between ENAIRE and Indra, has launched its first satellite, IOD-1 (In-Orbit Demonstrator-1), as part of the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX. The satellite was integrated and deployed by Exolaunch, while Danish firm GomSpace handled its manufacturing. Indra, with support from ENAIRE, was responsible for specification and validation. The launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
IOD-1 is equipped with a VHF antenna and an ADS-B surveillance system. Its primary objective is to demonstrate real-time communication between air traffic controllers and aircraft via satellite signals. This initiative falls under the ECHOES project, co-funded by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with support from the SESAR Joint Undertaking. The satellite will assess the feasibility of enhancing air traffic management (ATM) services and reducing environmental impact through satellite-based solutions.
The CubeSat format of IOD-1, known for its standardised miniaturised design, low cost, and high efficiency, will be tested for compliance with existing aeronautical communication standards. Currently, transoceanic flights and remote areas lack real-time voice communication coverage, leading to large separation distances between aircraft for safety reasons. Startical’s satellite aims to provide continuous monitoring of aircraft positions and enable real-time, high-quality voice and data communication between pilots and controllers, even in areas with limited coverage. This approach is expected to improve air traffic management efficiency, particularly in emergencies, while reducing fuel consumption through optimal route selection.
“We are proud to become a space-based company with the launch of IOD-1, a demonstrator that paves the way for the Startical constellation. With over 200 satellites in low Earth orbit, this constellation will provide global coverage, transforming air traffic management,” said Juan Enrique González Laguna, General Manager of Startical.
Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace, states: "We appreciate Startical's trust in our 16U CubeSat for this mission, which will have a positive impact on the efficiency and sustainability of air traffic management. We look forward to seeing the performance of IOD-1 in orbit."
In February 2025, Startical launched its second satellite, IOD-2, which underwent testing at Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Madrid. Like IOD-1, it is part of the ECHOES project. Following the deployment of both demonstrators, Startical will conduct proof-of-concept tests in the South Atlantic corridor, covering airspaces over the Canary Islands, Azores-Santa Maria, Dakar Oceanic, Cape Verde, and the Atlantic region of Brazil. These tests will involve air navigation service providers, including ENAIRE, NAV Portugal, ASA, ASECNA, and DECEA, demonstrating international collaboration in advancing Startical’s vision.
Senior navy officials from Japan, the United States, and Australia have signed a logistics cooperation deal to boost maritime collaboration…
Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has announced the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to…
Rheinmetall has supplied another mobile rescue station (Role 2 type) to the Ukraine. Service members of the Ukrainian armed forces…
Rheinmetall has delivered a fourth mobile rescue station to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Düsseldorf-based company also conducted training…
Malaysia Airlines has been named the Official Airline Partner for the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025, one of the Philippines’…
The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space, alongside co-contractor Neverhack, an eight-year framework contract…
Asia Pacific carriers posted a combined net profit of US$7.3 billion in 2024, according to preliminary financial results released by…
Australia has pledged to provide the Philippine Coast Guard with additional state-of-the-art drones to strengthen maritime domain awareness and support…
Metis has secured a contract to supply its Skyperion radio frequency (RF) drone detection systems to a NATO customer as…
Airbus has announced that Lars Wagner, currently CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG, will succeed Christian Scherer as Chief Executive…
Airbus Defence and Space has been appointed as the prime contractor for the development and production of two new PAZ-2…
German regional aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has opened a new office in Berlin. Located at the historic Römischer Hof on…
Saudia and Vietnam Airlines have entered into a codeshare agreement aimed at improving air connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.…
Indonesia and Brazil have agreed to collaborate on the development of missile and submarine systems technology as part of broader…
Leonardo, Enav, and the Ukrainian State Air Traffic Services Enterprise (UkSATSE) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at the Ukrainian…
The US Navy's ship-killer missile system has been used for live fire drills in the Philippines, a senior American military…
Elfly Group, developers of the NOEMI (no emissions electric seaplane) has signed an MoU, worth US$50 million, with Cambodia's VET…
Washington has deployed for the first time one of its most lethal aircraft to the Philippines, the F-35, for air…
The Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) is undergoing a strategic transformation under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., driven by increased budgets, deeper…
In a strong display of regional defence cooperation, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has recently completed vital training missions…
The Philippines and New Zealand have taken a significant step in bolstering their defence partnership with the signing of a…
India is strengthening its role as a regional security partner through a series of landmark missile exports to the Philippines,…
Rheinmetall has conducted the first live-fire demonstration of its Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40), presenting the system to defence media…
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV) shipset—four AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar antennas—to Japan’s Ministry of Defense (JMOD).…
Savox Communications and Insta have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and delivery of defence and security solutions…
Vietjet has introduced a new direct air route connecting Hanoi, Vietnam, and Xi’an, China. The service offers a new travel…
Northrop Grumman has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ROMARM, a Romanian state-owned leader in defense, to collaborate in offering…
Northrop Grumman successfully launched a threat-representative target recently for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Long Range Discrimination Radar non-intercept operational…
Boeing has been awarded a $2.8B contract for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) program, the space-based component of the…
The Philippine Navy (PN) has confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the possible transfer of Abukuma-class destroyer escorts from the Japan Maritime…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.