NASA, FAA Demonstrate Wireless Communication with Aircraft

May 3, 2016 RELEASE 16-013
The next steps for AeroMACS will include end-to-end testing

For the first time ever, a team of engineers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center conveyed aviation data--including route options and weather information--to an airplane over a wireless communication system for aircraft on the ground.

The demonstration, which was conducted at Glenn’s Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) test bed in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and Hitachi, LTD on Feb. 11, demonstrated two technologies that could change airport operations worldwide.

“This was the first time we provided this type of information to an airplane over a ground wireless network,” said Paul Nelson, Glenn’s project manager for Cyber-Security and Secure Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS).

The team used an Aircraft Access to System Wide Information Management (SWIM), or AAtS, prototype technical solution to convey the aviation information to an FAA Bombardier Global 5000 test aircraft taxiing 60 to 70 miles per hour on the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport runway. They sent the information over a new wireless communication system called Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System, or AeroMACS.

The prototype AeroMACS hardware was developed by Hitachi. The system is based on WiMAX wireless communication standards, but uses different frequencies to enable connectivity on the ground. AAtS is an FAA technology demonstration and prototype initiative that enables solutions for connecting aircraft and flight crews to common-sourced aeronautical, weather and flight information. The AeroMACS demonstration enabled connectivity to allow updates to weather, airport status and flight and flow information prior to takeoff.

Until now, pilots have relied on voice communication with air traffic control or their airline operations center for this type of information because traditional wireless technologies don’t support high data throughputs. Together, AAtS and AeroMACS will improve situational awareness and reduce the potential for human error by giving pilots access to the information they need to make decisions. The trials consisted of three test cases designed to evaluate performance of both the AAtS and AeroMACS technologies. The trials demonstrated that AeroMACS can simultaneously transport multiple services seamlessly.
“It performed very well; it passed the test,” said Rafael Apaza, the AeroMACS technical lead. “We were able to send multiple applications to the aircraft at the same time and exchange surveillance and advisory flight information with fixed facilities without losing any data. This wireless communications capability will deliver great benefits to U.S. airport operations.”

In addition to improving safety, Nelson said the new wireless technology could allow airports to grow and change more affordably by replacing old underground systems.

“Airport communication systems use a lot of underground cables, which makes repairs and changes difficult,” he said. “Replacing and eliminating the underground infrastructure with wireless technology will reduce maintenance costs and downtime and allow airports to enhance capabilities more quickly.”

Glenn began investigating wireless communication technology for airports in 2004 and has worked with government and industry partners worldwide to develop AeroMACS and the wireless network standards. 

The next steps for AeroMACS will include end-to-end testing involving multiple airports and evaluation of security measures.

The FAA Bombardier Global 5000 test aircraft used in the wireless communication system demonstration.
Credits: NASA

The launch currently is targeted for Thursday, Dec. 3

Sat, Nov 7, 2015 at 12:41 PM

The spacecraft will carry more than 7,000 pounds of cargo

Inside the high bay in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was used to remove the protective covering from the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized module. The spacecraft will carry more than 7,000 pounds of cargo on the next resupply flight to the International Space Station. The launch currently is targeted for Thursday, Dec. 3 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Credits: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JAXA) has postponed the launch of its Transport Vehicle

Aug. 16, 2015
Bad Weather Again Delays Launch of Japanese Cargo Ship to Space Station

This artist's concept shows the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) H-II Transport Vehicle-5 separating from its H-IIB launch vehicle. Credits: JAXA

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has postponed the launch of its H-II Transport Vehicle (HTV)-5 to the International Space Station to 7:50 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 19. NASA Television will carry live coverage of the event beginning at 7 a.m.

JAXA is delaying the launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan due to an unfavorable weather forecast at the launch site for the next two days, which may delay the launch date further.

Loaded with more than 4.5 tons of supplies, including water, spare parts and experiment hardware for the six-person space station crew, the unpiloted cargo craft, named Kounotori, Japanese for “white stork,” will travel five days to reach the station.

Rendezvous and grapple of the HTV-5 now is scheduled for approximately 6:55 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. NASA TV coverage will begin at 5:15 a.m. Installation coverage will now begin at 9:15 a.m. for installation at approximately 9:45 a.m.