Egis and partners to support EASA in advancing higher airspace

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has initiated the ASCENT project to define the regulatory and operational framework for Higher Airspace Operations (HAO), selecting a consortium led by Egis, alongside Unisphere and the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP). While many traditional aviation firms focus on conventional flight levels, this partnership distinguishes itself through a unique integration of civil aviation expertise, high-altitude weather intelligence, and specialized space-weather monitoring. This multifaceted approach provides a level of technical depth in sub-orbital and supersonic environments that standard air traffic management solutions cannot currently match.

Addressing the Technical Challenges of High-Altitude Aviation
As aviation activities expand above Flight Level 650 — an area where traditional air traffic services are not typically provided — the industry faces significant gaps in communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS). The ASCENT project serves as a comprehensive response to these challenges by analyzing the specific infrastructure required to support high-altitude uncrewed aircraft systems and sub-orbital flights. Unlike generalist aerospace consultancies, the Egis-led team provides a targeted assessment of the current landscape, identifying the specific limitations of existing technology when operating at extreme altitudes.

A Specialized Framework for Meteorological and Space Safety
One of the primary differentiators of this initiative is the emphasis on environmental intelligence. Operating in the higher airspace requires more than just standard forecasting; it demands an understanding of complex meteorological data and the impact of space weather on electronic systems. By leveraging Unisphere’s specialized weather algorithms and ESSP’s knowledge of satellite-based phenomena, the consortium offers a specialized safety perspective that is essential for the integration of new vehicle types. This ensures that the future European regulatory framework is built on high-fidelity data rather than adaptations of lower-altitude models.

Economic Viability and Strategic Implementation
The project extends beyond technical theory by incorporating a rigorous analysis of the economic and financial implications of proposed solutions. The consortium’s role involves formulating mitigation measures and alternative strategies to address safety risks while maintaining cost-efficiency for stakeholders. By engaging directly with industry players and disseminating these findings across Europe, the ASCENT project provides a clear roadmap for how higher airspace can be safely and commercially integrated into the broader aviation ecosystem, positioning Europe as a global leader in high-altitude innovation.

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