As the first flight tracking service to integrate satellite-based ADS-B into a public platform in 2016, we’re proud to announce we’re also the first to make space-based ADS-B data available to all users. All our users will see most flights tracked via satellite and we also offer additional specialized space-based tracking data for our professional customers.

Since our first test integration, we’ve continued to develop our multi-source approach to global space-based ADS-B data collection and integration. We’re now making much of the space-based ADS-B data we receive available to all our users, including data from our newest space-based supplier, Spire.

How do I know a flight is being tracked by satellite-based ADS-B?

Flights currently tracked via satellite-based ADS-B will have blue icons. When clicking on a flight tracked by satellite, you’ll be able to learn more about the particular data source and see additional flight tracking details. Due to the possible latency of up to 10 minutes depending on the satellite source, satellite-tracked aircraft will only be displayed when we lack terrestrial coverage of a flight. As the number of satellites contributing data to the network increases, data volume will increase and latency will decrease.

Integrate space-based ADS-B into your business

Space-based ADS-B data further extends the coverage of Flightradar24’s world-leading terrestrial ADS-B receiver network, allowing your to track flights when ground-based coverage isn’t possible. If you’d like to learn how you can integrate space-based ADS-B into your business, please get in touch.