Startical successfully launched its second demonstrator satellite, IOD-2, advancing Space-Based Air Traffic Management

01/07/2025

Startical, the company created by ENAIRE and Indra, has successfully launched its second satellite, IOD-2, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission reinforces Spain’s leadership in the race to transform global air traffic management (ATM) using space-based technology.

IOD-2, Startical’s second demonstrator satellite and part of the EU-funded ECHOES project, will continue validating real-time VHF voice and data communications between aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers from space

The launch of IOD-2 follows the successful deployment of IOD-1 in March 2025, which already made history by enabling the first-ever VHF voice communications between aircraft pilots and air traffic controllers via satellite, fully compliant with international aviation standards. These milestones accelerate the development of Startical’s future constellation of over 200 low Earth orbit satellites, designed to provide real-time VHF voice and data communications and aircraft surveillance, particularly in regions currently without coverage, such as oceans and remote areas.

With IOD-2, Startical intensifies its testing phase to demonstrate robust, real-time aeronautical communications and surveillance services from space. Additionally, it reflects Spain’s commitment and capabilities to innovate in the aerospace sector. The mission is led by Startical while the engineering behind the mission systems and the satellite payload have been developed by Indra, with the support of ENAIRE. “The success of IOD‑1 proved that space-based VHF works. With IOD‑2, we advance Spain’s leadership in aerospace technology and reaffirm our mission to be the first company that will provide VHF voice and data global coverage for ATM” said Juan Enrique González Laguna, General Manager of Startical.

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