Development and characteristics of African Satellite Augmentation System (ASAS) network

This paper reports on an African Satellite Augmentation System (ASAS) Space and Ground Segments as an integration part of Global Satellite Augmentation System (GSAS) for enhanced Traffic Control and Management (TCM) globally at sea, on the ground (road and railway vehicles) and in the air. The ASAS network can be used as solely systems for covering and providing TCM and Safety and Security service for entire African Continent and Middle East region, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), its Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations and requirements. Since 1995 few commercial Regional Satellite Augmentation System (RSAS) networks have been projected and developed to utilize Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) service for Maritime Traffic Control (MTC), Land Traffic Control (LTC) and Air Traffic Control (ATC), including for improved Safety and Security in all transportation systems. The proposed Space Segment of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) constellation and Ground Segment of ASAS network are discussed, and areas examined where further investigations are needed. Specific issues related to these challenges are concluded and a set of solutions is proposed to maximize the availability of ASAS network capacity to the user applications.