Startical

Startical is a Spanish company that is building a satellite system for air traffic management. The system carries VHF voice and data links and ADS-B. VHF is the radio band pilots use to speak with controllers. ADS-B is a signal that aircraft send out to share their position. The company is based in Madrid.

Startical was created in 2021 as a public and private effort. Its parents are ENAIRE, the national air navigation service provider of Spain, and Indra, a supplier of air traffic management systems. The site says Indra has equipped more than 11,000 air traffic facilities worldwide. The goal is to cover oceanic and remote areas where ground radio does not reach.

The first demonstration satellite, IOD-1, launched in March 2025. It was part of the European-funded ECHOES project. The company says it made the first VHF voice and data link from space. A second satellite, IOD-2, launched in June 2025. It is used to test real-time communication and surveillance services. Startical plans a full constellation of more than 200 low-Earth orbit satellites.

Operational tests are running in the South Atlantic corridor. They cover flight information regions over the Canary Islands, Azores-Santa Maria, Dakar Oceanic, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and the Atlantic region of Brazil. The company says tests can also run anywhere else on Earth. It invites air navigation service providers and airlines to join. It works with several providers, airlines and other supporters.

The site lists four benefits. Wider coverage can reduce the distance kept between aircraft, which raises capacity. The system works with existing avionics, so no changes or extra training are needed for pilots or controllers. Constant tracking supports safety. Better routes cut flight time and fuel use, which lowers carbon dioxide output.

Startical states its mission as developing and running a satellite service that improves air traffic management. Its vision is to provide VHF communication and surveillance services from space worldwide. The site also lists values that include daring ideas and bold innovation.

The website has pages on the company, its technology, media and news, and contact details. It is available in English and Spanish. A glossary explains terms such as ATM, FIR, IOD, VHF and ADS-B.