Spire will launch satellites aboard Vega Source: ESA/CNES/Arianespace Spire will launch satellites aboard Vega Source: ESA/CNES/Arianespace Close

Spire plans to build a network of small satellites to provide meteorological data and ocean vessel tracking information. Since its first launch in January 2014, Spire has built 83 satellites. Spire scored a major victory in September 2016 when the NOAA awarded the company a $370,000 contract to provide data under a pilot program to investigate commercial weather data. The results of the deal were mixed. NOAA found that the data was not comprehensive enough to meet its needs and prices were higher than expected. Still, NOAA plans to initiate a second round and admits that Spire has made major improvements to its fleet and processing algorithms since the end of the first round.

As it continues to refine its techniques, Spire continues to raise capital. Luxembourg invested $70 million in November 2017 and the U.K. Space Agency signed a GBP4 million ($5.2 million) to Spire to demonstrate its technology.

Even so, the Vega is in a healthy position in the lightweight launch vehicle market. It will benefit from a strong domestic market due to its association with the European Space Agency. ESA is dedicated to using European-built equipment and continues to launch lightweight scientific satellites, which should ensure steady demand for the Vega . In fact, in April 2017, the European Commission committed to buying two Vega -Cs per year once the launch vehicle becomes operational in 2019.

In addition, engineers are gradually increasing the Vega's capabilities. The P120 rocket motor that will equip the Vega -C will boost power over the current version, enabling the vehicle to carry heavier payloads or more payloads than competitors like Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne. Engineers are also developing a SmallSat deployer that will enable Vega to carry multiple payloads on a single launch, further increasing its appeal to SmallSat operators like Spire.

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Multiple customers of GKN Fokker Services have already ordered the Boeing Next-Generation 737 ADS-B Out modification, enabling them to be well prepared for the EASA mandate in 2020 while securing early adopter advantages.

ADS-B Out (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast) is a common system on-board many aircraft that automatically broadcasts relevant data from the aircraft towards air traffic management organizations. ADS-B Out data includes the identity of the aircraft, the GPS location and direction of flight. A new Version 2 (DO260B), ADS-B Out system will become mandatory in 2020 in Europe, USA, UAE and various other countries. The new ADS-B Out mandate involves an upgrade or replacement of two major cockpit systems: the ATC Transponder and GPS Receiver. This will enable optimization of the airspace and minimize the use of ground radar stations. In the next decade, most of the airspace throughout the globe will be using ADS-B as the primary means of surveillance, replacing radar. This will include the oceanic environment (Satellite ADS-B).

After obtaining EASA STCs for the Bombardier Q400 and the Airbus A320 Family, GKN Fokker Services is extending its ADS-B Out program to other aircraft types. These include the Boeing 737 Classic, 747, 757 and 767 as well as the Bombardier Dash 8 Classic. GKN Fokker Services will also apply for STCs from the FAA and other airworthiness authorities

Erik Lous, Product Manager ADS-B Out at GKN Fokker Services states: "We are once again pleased with our new STC for ADS-B Out, this time for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Our ADS-B Out modification will allow our customers to modify their aircraft very cost-effectively and with a minimum of downtime, typically during just one or two overnight checks. Furthermore, with our STC, the customer has the option to replace the existing transponders with transponders from different vendors"

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