SATERA
Space-based composite Ads-b and multilaTeration systEm validation thRough scalable simulAtions
Scientific publications
Poster
Giulio Sidoretti, Victor Monzonis Melero, Juan Vicente Balbastre Tejedor, Mauro Leonardi,Mahsa Mohebbi “SATERA PPT: Performance Prediction Tool for Satelite-Based Air Traffic Independant Localization and Surveillance”, EASN 2025,Madrid, Spain, 14-17 October 2025
Conference papers
Matheus Torquato, Tiago Cruz, Denis Lima Rosário, Michele Nogueira,Eduardo Cerqueira “Exploratory performance evaluation of VM migration at MQTT moving target defence”, CNSM 2025,Bologna, Italy, 27-31 October 2025
This work explores the impact of introducing a VM migration–based survivability mechanism in a message queuing service. The study evaluates how such recoverability strategies affect the performance of message queue systems processing large volumes of data, something of crucial importance for SATERA use cases involving the massive exchange of tracking information between ground stations, central processing units, and ATC consumer endpoints.
Mauro Leonardi, Giulio Sidoretti, Edoardo Navarra, Mahsa Mohebbi, “Space-based multilateration system for a GNSS-independent aircraft localisation”, IAC 2025,Sydney, Australia, September 29 -October 3 2025
This paper proposes a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation performing multilateration (MLAT) on ADS-B signals to provide GNSS-independent position estimates. Unlike classical ground-based multilateration, the space context introduces challenges such as limited visibility, poor geometry, ill-conditioning, and synchronization issues. To address these, the evaluation of a combination of Time of Arrival (TOA), Frequency of Arrival (FOA) and Angle of Arrival (AOA) measurements is presented. The proposed architecture comprises LEO satellites equipped with ADS-B receivers and phased array antennas. Performance is evaluated using the Cram´er-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB). Simulations over the Atlantic Ocean assess different measurement combinations and constellation configurations. The results show that, with the appropriate design, the system achieves a localization accuracy that is compliant with the requirements of the air traffic control in route
Javier Vera-Sánchez, Miguel Ferrando-Rocher, Gorka Casasús-Goyeneche , Miguel Ferrando-Bataller, “”Diseño de agrupaciones piramidales para vigilancia ADS-B por satélite“”, Ursi 2025,Terragona, Spain, September 3-5 2025
This work presents the preliminary design of a unit cell antenna operating in the L-band (1090 MHz), intended for satellite-based reception of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) signals. The antenna is conceived as a building block for future array configurations within the framework of the SATERA project, an initiative funded by the Horizon Europe programme to enhance air traffic surveillance via satellite technologies. Key performance parameters such as gain, bandwidth, and radiation pattern are evaluated through full-wave simulations. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed concept and provide a solid starting point for its integration into the overall satellite-based ADS-B reception system.
Gorka Casasús-Goyeneche, Miguel Ferrando-Rocher, Javier Vera-Sánchez, Miguel Ferrando-Bataller,“Diseño y Análisis de una Antena en Banda L para la Recepción ADS-B desde Satélites LEO” , Ursi 2025,Terragona, Spain, September 3-5 2025
This paper presents the design and analysis of an L-band antenna for Automatic Dependent Surveillance– Broadcast (ADS-B) signal reception from Low Earth Orbit
(LEO) satellites at 1090 MHz. The proposed antenna is based on a six-faced prismatic array configuration that achieves omnidirectional coverage in the azimuth plane. Each face integrates a compact 4×2 subarray built from a miniaturized circular microstrip patch element with T-shaped extensions and dualport excitation for circular polarization. The unit cell exhibits a reflection coefficient better than −10 dB and an axial ratio suitable for mitigating ionospheric rotation effects. Experimental validation of a 2×2 prototype confirms the simulated results, with a measured gain of 11.27 dB and a −3 dB beamwidth of 46.3◦. This preliminary design demonstrates the feasibility of integrating compact, high-performance antennas for spaceborne ADS-B reception systems, supporting global air traffic surveillance in remote and oceanic regions.
Joaquin Vico Navarro, Juan Vincente Balbastre Tejedor, Juan Antonio Vila Carbó, “A New Association Approach for Multi-Sensor Air Traffic Surveillance Data Based on Deep Neural Networks”, Sensors 2025, 04 Feb 2025
Air Traffic Services play a crucial role in the safety, security, and efficiency of air transportation. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) performance-based surveillance concept requires monitoring the actual performance of the surveillance systems underpinning these services. This assessment is usually based on the analysis of data gathered during the normal operation of the surveillance systems, also known as opportunity traffic. Processing opportunity traffic requires data association to identify and assign the sensor detections to a flight. Current techniques for association require expert knowledge of the flight dynamics of the target aircraft and have issues with high-manoeuvrability targets like military aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft (UA). This paper addresses the data association problem through the use of the Multi-Sensor Intelligent Data Association (M-SIOTA) algorithm based on Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). This is an innovative perspective on the data association of multi-sensor surveillance through the lens of machine learning. This approach enables data processing without assuming any dynamics model, so it is applicable to any aircraft class or airspace structure. The proposed algorithm is trained and validated using several surveillance datasets corresponding to various phases of flight and surveillance sensor mixes. Results show improvements in association performance in the different scenarios.
Javier Vera-Sánchez Miguel Ferrando-Rocher Gorka Casasús-Goyeneche Miguel Ferrando-Bataller, L-Band Unit-Cell Antenna Design for Satellite-Based ADS-B Surveillance, URSI 2025, Ottawa, Canada, July 13-18 2025
This paper presents a general overview of the SATERA project, funded under the Horizon Europe framework program, to advance aerial surveillance through satellite-based technologies. The project addresses global air traffic management challenges, such as limited coverage in remote and oceanic regions. As part of this initiative, a preliminary design of a unit cell antenna is introduced as a proof-of concept for satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) reception. This initial design evaluates fundamental performance parameters to establish a foundation for further antenna development. Early results highlight the proposed approach’s feasibility and potential integration into the broader SATERA system
Mauro Leonardi, Mahsa Mohebbi, Giulio Sidoretti, Robust and resilient GNSS synchronization of LEO satellites for space-based aircraft Multilateration, MetroAeroSpace 2025, Naples, Italy, June 18-20 2025
This paper aims at developing a resilient synchronization framework for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites based on the combination of GNSS and Precision Time Protocol (PTP) via inter-satellite link. The satellite synchronization is needed to enable precise aircraft tracking in areas without radar coverage, by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signals and advanced localization algorithms, exploiting Time Of Arrival (TOA), Frequency Of Arrival (FOA), and Angle Of Arrival (AOA). An Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) corrects onboard clock errors in real time, while detecting and mitigating anomalies or cyber-attacks like GNSS jamming, spoofing or denial of service. Nanosecond accuracy under nominal and disrupted conditions is obtained, significantly enhancing safety and reliability of the tracking system.
DOI (link) : 10.1109/MetroAeroSpace64938.2025.11114554
Javier Vera Sánchez, Álvaro Martín Núñez, Miguel Ferrando Rocher and Miguel Ferrando Bataller, Circularly Polarized Conical Array for ADS-B Applications in LEO Satellites, 19th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP), Stockholm, 31 March – 4 April 2025
This paper presents the design of a dual-layer conical antenna array tailored for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) applications intended for integration into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The proposed antenna system comprises two vertically stacked layers, each comprising six magneto-electric dipole antennas arranged in a circular configuration. Each antenna element covers a sector of ±30◦ in azimuth, providing comprehensive coverage for real-time aircraft tracking over wide geographical regions. The antennas in the upper layer are positioned slightly farther apart due to the conical geometry, optimizing the radiation pattern and minimizing mutual coupling between layers. The array operates within the L-band spectrum (960–1164 MHz), making it suitable for ADS-B communication in remote areas with limited ground station coverage, such as oceans and deserts
Victor Monzonis Melero, Juan V. Balbastre, and Alex Ganau, SATERA Baseline: Identifying the Challenges of Space-Based Multilateration Systems, SIDS2024, Rome, 12-15 November 2024
Air traffic control traditionally relies on Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) and procedural methods in areas without radar coverage. In recent years, ADS-B has gained importance as a surveillance technique that transmits the identity and position of aircraft. Space-based ADS-B (SB ADS-B) systems extend this capability by enabling transmission to satellites, particularly in remote and oceanic regions where ground stations are not feasible. Not only does this contribute to the reduction of separation between aircraft, but it also increases airspace operational efficiency by enabling more direct routes and greater availability of optimal altitudes, which in turn leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, the integrity of ADS-B transmissions can be affected by either natural or intentional perturbations. To address this issue, the SATERA project aims to develop an integrity estimator for SB ADS-B systems using position estimates provided by multilateration (MLAT) systems. This work contributes to establishing the project’s baseline and identifying specific challenges. A prediction tool has been developed to calculate the theoretical performance of an MLAT system using receiver stations aboard a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The methodology involves adapting ground based MLAT localization algorithms to the space environment, evaluating regularization techniques to mitigate potential ill conditioning, and using advanced Kalman filter-based tracking algorithms combined with the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filter.
DOI (medra): 10.61009/SID.2024.1.36
DOI (link): https://doi.org/10.61009/SID.2024.1.36
Public deliverables
D8.1 – Initial Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Plan
This document contains the Initial SATERA Plan for the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation of results. It includes the identification of target stakeholders, the selection of the appropriate communication and dissemination strategy and material for each group of stakeholders, and the identification of exploitation target users and partners’ exploitation intentions. The deliverable also defines KPIs and strategies for communication, dissemination, and exploitation measures. This first release will be refined and updated as the project progresses.
D8.2 – Initial Communication Material
This document contains a description of the communication materials available to all the SATERA partners for communication activities and SATERA visual identification. This first release will be refined and updated as the project progresses.
D8.3 – SATERA Data Management Plan
This document describes the data management life cycle for all data re-used, generated and processed throughout the SATERA’s research phases. It adopts the FAIR principles- making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable – to guide data handling , storage, and sharing practices.
D8.4 – Intermediate communication, Dissemination and Exploitation plan
This document contains the Intermediate SATERA Plan for the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation of results. It includes the identification of target stakeholders, the selection of the appropriate communication and dissemination strategy and material for each group of stakeholders, and the identification of exploitation target users and partners’ exploitation intentions.The deliverable also defines KPIs and strategies for communication, dissemination, and exploitation measures.
D6.1 Space-based MLAT algorithms description
This deliverable describes the positioning, tracking, integrity algorithms to be developed in T6.1, T6.2, and T6.3 respectively.
D5.2 CRLB for MLAT
This document contains the theoretical derivation and the description of the algorithms for the computation of the lower bound of the position accuracy that can be obtained with the satellite-based multilateration system, as well as the verification activities conducted by the research team and their results.
D3.1 – Signal features extraction systems description
This document describes at high level the Receiving Hardware and processing algorithms for the derivation of the TOA and of the other signal features, as well as the details of their validation by simulation.
D3.2 – Hybrid receiving station architecture
This document describes the high-level design of the hybrid receiving station, encompassing the antenna design and the receiver architecture description, as well as the details of their validation by means of laboratory measurements and simulations, as well as any adjustments to the architectures and algorithms described in D3.1 (Signal Features Extraction Systems Description), if they were needed as a result of the validation process.
Communication and dissemination materials
Communication and dissemination materials are available on the Download page
Solutions
….Under Construction