SATCOM

The SATCOM system (airborne communication via a satellite link) provides an internet connection for the aircraft. It is primarily used by the scientists to share information between the ground-based operations team and the on-board flight team. Flight and instrument data are periodically transmitted down to the operations team and data, such as current weather radar images, are sent up to the aircraft as required.

This project assesses the range of SATCOM systems available to meet our future needs. The aim is to increase the data transfer capacity and to broaden the global coverage of where the SATCOM can operate. This will enable more detailed information to be transferred and will allow for a greater capacity to remotely monitor and control individual instruments on the aircraft from the ground. This project also looks at adding SATCOM capability to the flight deck for improved communication with air traffic control.