ESA Iris Programme: Design options for the satellite communication sub-network of the European Air Traffic Management System

The future European Air Traffic Management (ATM) System is currently being defined by the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Programme. Iris is the European Space Agency (ESA) Programme to develop a new Air-Ground communication system as the satellite-based communication solution for the SESAR Programme. The Iris Programme can be regarded as a specific project within the Work Package 15 (Communication Navigation Surveillance) of the SESAR Development Phase. Iris currently focuses on the design and development of the new satellite communication standard, its associated user terminals, the ground segment, and the end-to-end satellite system design. The design philosophy considers two approaches: a purpose-built system and/or adaptation of Inmarsat's Swift Broadband system. Satellite operators and service providers undertake complementary studies to define operations, service provision scheme, and assess the business case. This paper provides an overview of the scope of the Iris Programme, the activities currently on-going and highlights the key design options under assessment in particular for the design of the satellite communication protocols and the air interface.