TERRASTARTM is an on-board monitoring system that provides a "virtual window into an aircraft". It is a commercial, cost-effective, air to ground communication system that automatically and securely transmits flight data and incident alerts in "real time". TERRASTARTM continuously monitors selected avionics systems on the aircraft as it flies, instantly analyzes the data, and transmits the data and any incident alerts, via satellite to the operator. The TERRASTARTM system provides an operator's ground personnel the ability to monitor trends, predict possible failures, schedule repairs, and assist the flight crew to take preventive action as required. It acts as an early warning system, detecting the earliest signs of potential problems. Importantly, it performs these functions in "real-time" providing essential safety monitoring to the benefit of passengers, aircraft personnel, and grounds crew.
TERRASTARTM is based on patented technology that incorporates 2 most important flight diagnostic requirements for airline safety:
1. Airborne Flight Analysis
As part of the airborne flight analysis, selected aircraft parameters are automatically read, analyzed and stored. In addition, any selected parameter that is "suspect", is transmitted as an "Alert Notification" in an encrypted format to the Ground-based Monitoring System in real time, using satellite communications and the internet. TERRASTARTM uses state-of-the-art communications and can continuously transmit 4,500-18,000+ parameters per minute (depending on available bandwidth).
2. Ground-Based Monitoring
Situated on the ground, typically at the customer's facility (MRO or Star Facility) the Ground-Based Monitoring System decrypts, monitors, and stores flight data. Encrypted Alert Notifications are captured, highlighted and are automatically transmitted securely over the Internet to the airline's operations control or maintenance control centre. Unlike the after-the-fact-review Black Box, TERRASTARTM is new proactive proprietary technology and not a refinement of existing systems which have reached their old-technology limits. TERRASTARTM is a product for the future!