Skykraft Block 2 ATM Satellite
Skykraft
Flat-body smallsat providing space-based ADS-B surveillance and VHF voice/data for global air traffic management — 8 in orbit, constellation of ~200 planned.
Technical specifications
- Body type
- Flat-box smallsat
- Payloads
- ADS-B receiver, VHF voice and data transponder
- Orbit
- LEO
- Constellation target
- ~200 satellites
- In-orbit units (2023)
- 8
- First launch
- January 2023, SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-6
- ICAO standard supported
- 5 NM separation
- Redundancy
- Multi-level
- Cybersecurity
- Integrated
About
The Skykraft Block 2 satellite is an Australian-designed and manufactured smallsat forming the backbone of Skykraft’s planned ~200-satellite constellation for global air traffic management. Each satellite carries an ADS-B receiver for aircraft position surveillance and a VHF payload for two-way voice and data communications between air traffic controllers and pilots — covering remote oceanic and polar routes beyond radar reach.
The first eight Block 2 satellites were launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-6 and Transporter-8 rideshare missions in January and June 2023. The system supports the ICAO 5 NM separation standard and incorporates multi-level redundancy and cybersecurity. Full constellation deployment of ~200 satellites is targeted to provide continuous global coverage, enabling trajectory-based flight operations and reducing CO₂ emissions via optimised routing.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.