Raytheon has launched its GEO 6 satellite payload into orbit for its 12 year mission.
It is the latest payload to support the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wide Area Augmentation (WAAS) System which enhances the reliability and accuracy of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for directing air travel.
(The satellite was successfully launched from Arianespace’s Guiana Space Center in French Guiana aboard a Soyuz launch vehicle. Courtesy of Arianespace and YouTube)
The Raytheon-developed payload is a key element of the WAAS System, which offers commercial, business, and general aviation pilots more direct flight paths, greater runway capability and precision approaches to airports and remote landing sites without dependence on local ground-based landing systems.
“This latest payload launch is the next step in our journey with the FAA to bolster navigation safety and efficiency for commercial and general aviation,” said Bob Delorge, vice president Transportation and Support Services, Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services.
In June 2016, Raytheon launched WAAS GEO 5 which was recently accepted by the FAA for integration into the operational WAAS system.
Both WAAS GEO 5 and GEO 6 were launched to replace aging satellites and enhance GPS precision for the FAA. WAAS increases GPS accuracy from 10 meters to approximately two meters and supports nearly all of the national airspace.
(Learn More about the benefits of satellite navigation as provided by the Wide Area Augmentation System, courtesy of The Federal Aviation Administration and YouTube)
The WAAS GEO 6 payload is hosted on a geostationary satellite, SES-15, owned and operated by SES. The satellite was successfully launched from Arianespace’s Guiana Space Center in French Guiana aboard a Soyuz launch vehicle.
(Learn More about how Raytheon is building a foundation for the future of safe, intelligent air travel. Courtesy of Raytheon and YouTube)
From proactive cyber threat hunting to GPS-guided precision landing to enhanced mid- and long-range weather planning, Raytheon continues to pave the way for the data-driven, dynamic future of air travel.
Our unique portfolio of automation, surveillance, navigation and landing solutions — backed by extensive cyber, analytics and software expertise — is improving safety and efficiency across more than two-thirds of the world’s airspace.
Automation Systems
Supporting 80% of U.S. air traffic, Raytheon’s dynamic modernization program delivers increased safety and capacity, improved management and optimized aircraft spacing. Our upgraded hardware and software enable collaborative decision support tools and drive efficiency.
Aviation Weather
Leveraging expertise with NOAA programs and a partnership with MIT Lincoln Lab, Raytheon delivers predictive weather capabilities that reduce travel delays, drive down costs and enhance mid- and long-range planning.
Satellite-Based Augmentation
Raytheon improves the accuracy and availability of GPS signals for satellite-based navigation, allowing for reduced infrastructure, increased capacity and more direct routes.
Next Generation Surveillance
Raytheon uses efficient X-band multi-mission radar technology to enable gap-free surveillance with low altitude coverage and wind farm mitigation to detect unmanned aircraft.
Precision Navigation and Landing
Using highly secured GPS signals, Raytheon lands aircraft with pinpoint accuracy, day or night, in any environment. Capable of being integrated into existing landing systems on legacy aircraft, our tech ensures maximum efficiency and interoperability.
Expeditionary Operations
Raytheon brings instant air traffic control to the battlefield or disaster relief site with fully autonomous and transportable radar systems for surveillance and approach.
Learn More about Raytheon’s Air Traffic Solutions, by visiting http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/atm/
