ECHO 2

European Concept for Higher Altitude Operations

Phase 2: Towards the integration between Air Traffic Management and Higher Altitude Operations

THIS IS PART OF
Innovation, research and simulation
Network operations

The European Concept for Higher Altitude Operations (ECHO 2) is a three-year SESAR Joint Undertaking project coordinated by EUROCONTROL. The project will build on research from the initial ECHO project that developed a concept of operations (ConOps) for higher airspace. Specifically, the project will focus on introducing to the ConOps a module on space launch real-time monitoring, and packages covering ground and air-ground operational integration procedures.

The project is at the forefront of aviation innovation, focusing on the end-to-end integration of new entrants, such as drones and space vehicles, into the European airspace within the EUROCONTROL Network Manager area.

By conducting live flight trials, the project aims to enhance air traffic management, ensuring seamless, safe, and efficient operations. The ECHO 2 initiative not only supports the growth of modern aviation technologies but also reinforces Europe’s commitment to maintaining a leading role in global aviation progress, promising a future where air and space travel are more integrated than ever.

Space Launch Monitoring

Enhance EUROCONTROL’s ability to monitor space launches and re-entries in real-time, improving situational awareness and supporting effective air traffic flow management during space operations.

HAPS Integration

Provide a set of procedures for integrating High-Altitude Platform Systems into ATM, focusing on ensuring seamless coordination and communication to enable diverse HAPS missions without impacting conventional air traffic.

Advanced Vehicle Operations

Introduce integration protocols for supersonic, hypersonic, and suborbital vehicles into ATM, addressing the unique challenges of high-speed vehicle operations to maintain operational harmony with existing air traffic.

A Coordinated Overview from the EUROCONTROL Network Manager

The ECHO 2 Project is dedicated to enhancing air traffic management by integrating space mission monitoring for launches and re-entries within the EUROCONTROL Network Manager area. It focuses on creating operational frameworks to manage space operations, including orbital and sub-orbital trajectories, ensuring they harmonise with existing air traffic. This initiative aims to improve airspace safety and efficiency, marking a significant step towards seamless coordination between space and aviation sectors in Europe’s skies.

Supporting High Altitude Platforms

The ECHO 2 Project is also focusing on High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), and will conduct a live trial within the Network Manager Area which is essential for advancing European airspace management. This work package not only aims to demonstrate the seamless integration of HAPS but also emphasises the need for cross-border coordination and effective planning for contingency scenarios. By developing harmonised operational protocols, WP2 underscores the importance of collaborative efforts across nations to ensure the safety and efficiency of Europe’s increasingly complex airspace, highlighting a significant stride towards innovative aviation solutions.

Air Travel of the Future

Finally, the ECHO 2 Project aims at integrating supersonic, hypersonic, and suborbital vehicle operations into the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. This work package focuses on developing protocols and conducting simulated trials to ensure these high-speed vehicles can safely coexist with traditional air traffic across international boundaries. It addresses the challenges of managing these fast-moving vehicles, emphasising the importance of contingency planning and cross-border cooperation to maintain airspace safety and efficiency. This portion of the project is pivotal in preparing Europe’s airspace for the future of rapid global travel.

Partners

EUROCONTROL, Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA), Leonardo, Destinus Spain, DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung , Enaire, Ecole Nationale De L’ Aviation Civile (ENAC), Ente Nazionale Per L’Aviazione Civile (ENAC), Enav, Airbus Operations , Direction Des Services De La Navigation Aerienne (DSNA), European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), Okapi:Orbits, Luftfartsverket, Collins Aerospace Ireland, Hyimpulse Technologies, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Skydweller, Thales Las France, Nav Portugal, Thales Alenia Space France Sas, NATS, Aalto Haps

For more information, visit the project website.

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