Our Innovation Hub performs key simulations for higher airspace operations

On 3-7 March, as part of a special agreement between ENAC (the Italian CAA) and EUROCONTROL, the EIH hosted a 5-day real-time simulation, which is a key step in assessing the feasibility of accommodating new A-to-A suborbital operations (taking off and landing at the same place) in European airspace. 

The simulation involved civil air traffic controllers from ENAV (the Italian ANSP), military controllers from Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force), experts from CIRA (the Italian Aerospace Research Centre), and representatives from ENAC. The team simulated operational scenarios within a realistic environment that mirrors the Italian airspace surrounding the Grottaglie Spaceport – where future A-to-A suborbital operations are expected to take place. 

The next steps will include the validation report to be issued to ENAC and other stakeholders, containing the conclusions and recommendations of this first step toward accommodating - and ultimately integrating - these new operations into European airspace.

On 7-11 April, as part of the SESAR ECHO 2 project Solution 2, a real-time simulation on the integration of HAPS – high-altitude platform systems – into controlled airspace was performed at the EIH. 

The exercise involved air traffic controllers from ENAV Italy, LFV Sweden, NATS UK, NAV Portugal and ENAIRE Spain, participants from CIRA and Aalto (a HAPS manufacturer), as well as experts from the EUROCONTROL Network Manager and Innovation Hub. 

The simulation tested a new concept of a 4D operating zone that surrounds the HAPS, allowing for more efficient utilisation of airspace, as the reserved space for the HAPS is smaller. In addition, on 10 April we welcomed members of the Higher Altitude Operations (HAO) community for a Visitor Day, which provided them with an exclusive opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of the project and witness the real-time simulation.

Watch the video to learn more about the simulation or visit the project website.