New agreement with SESAR JU to enhance satellite-based solutions for air traffic management

The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (Mo C) to strengthen their collaboration on delivering the Digital European Sky and making aviation safer, more sustainable and resilient. This partnership brings together the strengths of both organisations to promote research and innovation, addressing major challenges in the aviation sector such as environmental sustainability, airspace capacity, security, and operational efficiency. By creating synergies between the two programmes, the agreement aims to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of aviation and space technology advancements. The scope of the cooperation will be to share knowledge and jointly promote research and innovation in satellite technologies for aviation. It will also explore ways to complement EU funding programmes and incorporate space data in future funding activities related to air traffic management (ATM) and aviation. Advancing innovative, space-based solutions and their market uptake, as well as new business opportunities, are key elements in the agreement, particularly in precise satellite navigation for commercial aircraft (e.g. performance-based navigation) and drone traffic management (U-space). The memorandum aligns with the goals of the updated European ATM Master Plan, which outlines a strategic vision for modernising Europe’s air traffic management. By incorporating space-based technologies into...