Alternative Surveillance Technologies for Innovative Solutions in Air Traffic Management: The Astonish Project

The aviation industry relies heavily on various surveillance methods to ensure the safety and efficiency of air transport. Radar-based primary surveillance mechanisms, while generally reliable, do not provide full coverage and are increasingly being considered for decommissioning in favour of lower-cost secondary surveillance systems. However, wellestablished secondary surveillance systems, such as ADS-B, face challenges, including radio spectrum congestion and GNSS interference, particularly in conflicting or high traffic areas. This paper introduces the activities proposed within the SESAR Exploratory Research project “Alternate Surveillance Technologies fOr iNnovatIve Solutions” (ASTONISH). In particular, ASTONISH develops innovative alternate surveillance solutions for ATM/ANS (Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services) and airport operations, increasing the future ATM/ANS system performance and safety and allowing for an increased level of automation and connectivity