SATCOM for ATM: Space Segment Description and technology roadmap for FOC safety-critical satellites

Steady growth in aeronautical traffic, improved safety objectives and desired long-term environmental benefits are leading factors driving the modernization of Air Traffic Management (ATM). Satellite communications are regarded as a key complementary component to meet the current and future aviation data-link communication needs. The completed and planned undertakings associated to the involvement of Thales Alenia Space in Italy for definition of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) satellite system within the ESA Iris Programme are reported in the paper to contextualize project activities within a unified vision for complementary cost-effective and flexible GEO satellites as enablers of reliable service provision. Specific emphasis is given to technological developments for its payload and digital processor.