Starlink being tested to boost FAA air traffic control system: report

Starlink satellite internet terminals are being tested in hopes to help accelerate the upgrade of the technology supporting the US Federal Aviation Administration’s national airspace system. 

Bloomberg reported that Elon Musk greenlit sending 4,000 Starlink terminals to the FAA last week. A terminal at the FAA air-traffic control technology lab has already had one Starlink installed in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for the purpose of testing.

Within the next 12 to months the program should be fully operational, sources familiar with the matter told the outlet. The program will reportedly by called TDM X.

An FAA spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the agency is testing one terminal in Atlantic City as well as two terminals in Alaska. The representative added that the use of Starlink may be used to fix communication connections as well as track weather patterns more effectively in places such as Alaska which are in more remote regions.

Verizon has a $2 billion contract awarded in 2023 for upgrade work to the FAA’s critical infrastructure, but Musk posted on X, “The Verizon system is not working and so is putting air travelers at serious risk.”

It is unclear how a partnership with Starlink might affect the Verizon contract.

Verizon spokesman told the outlet by email, “Protecting Americans who rely on a safe and functioning air traffic control system is more important than ever. Our enhancements will help make that happen.”

The FAA’s air-traffic control system manages 45,000 flights, carrying almost 3 million people in the US each day. Improving the agency’s aging network has been in the spotlight following a fatal midair collision in January between a regional jet and a military helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.