The SESAR JU ECHOES project has launched its second low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, IOD-2. This launch marks a significant step forward in validating space-based communications to improve the performance and resilience of air traffic management, especially in remote and oceanic areas. On 23 June at 21:25 UTC (23:25 CET), ECHOESpartner Startical deployed the IOD-2 demonstrator from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch builds on the success of IOD-1, deployed in March 2025, which achieved the world’s first satellite-based VHF voice communication with active air traffic, using standard aeronautical protocols.

The ECHOES project is part of SESAR’s Digital Sky Demonstrator portfolio and is co-funded by the EU through the Connecting Europe Facility and managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). The project aims to test and validate how satellite-based technologies can bridge current gaps in communication and surveillance coverage, with a view to enhancing flight safety, capacity and efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of aviation. Both satellites, manufactured by GomSpace, are equipped with VHF and ADS-B capabilities, enabling real-time exchange of voice and data between aircraft and air traffic controllers from space. With IOD-2, Startical is intensifying its testing phase to demonstrate robust, high-quality communications services from orbit.

The in-orbit demonstration campaign is taking place over the South Atlantic region, involving the participation of air navigation service providers from Europe, Africa and South America. Airspace covered includes areas managed by the Canary Islands, the Azores, Dakar, Cape Verde and Brazil.

By enabling continuous monitoring of aircraft and more direct routing over regions not currently served by ground-based infrastructure, the ECHOES satellites are expected to reduce fuel consumption, cut operational costs and lower CO₂ emissions, while also improving punctuality and responsiveness to changing flight conditions. Startical, the company behind the mission, was established by ENAIRE and Indra and is leading the ECHOES consortium. All mission system engineering, including the satellite payloads, has been developed by Indra, with support from ENAIRE. Looking ahead, the IOD-1 and IOD-2 demonstrators will inform the design of a future constellation of over 200 satellites, planned to deliver continuous, global coverage of voice and data communications in line with international aviation standards.

These technological advances not only have the potential to shape future air traffic services but also to influence international standards for satellite-based ATM. The ECHOES project is a clear example of how public-private collaboration and European innovation are driving forward a more connected, sustainable and resilient aviation system.