The ECHO2 project is relevant and will provide benefits to internal and external stakeholders, whilst significantly advancing the definition and validation of the operational interface between space operations and the European ATM system. Within the project, air navigation service providers and the EUROCONTROL Network Manager are mainly concerned with obtaining validated SESAR solutions for HAO that are operationally viable, complete in scope and applicable to specific scenarios where cross-border cooperation is essential for safety and confirm the responsibilities towards the space domain. Also, within the project, the airborne and ground industry are interested to test and validate global leading prototypes (such as the Airbus Zephyr) and identify the necessary system improvements needed to integrate HAO in the European ATM system. External to the project, European institutions, ICAO, standardisation, and regulation bodies as well as international organisations with responsibilities in space and security aspects will be interested in the project’s outreach.
Scientific outcomes and impact
• By validating the elements of the ECHO ConOps, results will verify the assumptions and conceptual ideas of the ECHO project and provide impetus for the necessary follow-up research.
• The result of the ECHO2 work will pave the way for future commercial operations of new entrants, in particular for high altitudes.
• Collection of experimental data to validate assumptions, to improve equipment and functional reliability and accuracy.
• Procedure harmonization for point-to-point HA transport network.
Economic/technological impacts
• By conducting flight trials with HAPS and supersonic and hypersonic cruisers, the potential use of these aircraft can be shown and possible new business cases may be discovered.
• By developing concepts increasing the efficiency integration launch and re-entry operations into air traffic and airspace management, the commercial space transportation sector will benefit as it reduces factors that may limit the number and cadence of launches, which is crucial for the viability of this sector.
• More efficiency in the authorization process for new entrants.
• Logistic and transport asset improvement.
Societal outcomes and impacts
• Improving the efficient integration of space and air traffic operations will support and secure independent and reliable access to space for Europe. At the same time, it limits traffic impacts, contributing to environmentally friendly, cost-efficient and affordable air transport for Europe's citizens.
• Increased awareness about current capacity and environmental footprint related to current procedures and operations and evidence for possible improvements in the adjacent sectors.
• Job creation.
Scale and significance of project’s contribution to the expected outcomes and impacts
The scale of the project’s contribution to the expected outcome will be influenced by the extent to which its SESAR solutions are deployed. The adoption of solutions that provide a holistic perspective for a safe, efficient and scalable ATM-STM interface would position European industry to compete and win significant portions of the global market for commercial space whilst protecting the efficiency of the European ATM network.