SAT TRACE SAT TRACE Tracking what moves aviation
ESA Space Solutions
Abstract orbital ribbon and satellite network background framing the SAT TRACE hero section.

Demonstration project - Aviation

SAT TRACE

Every ULD.
Visible, anywhere.

Global, real-time tracking of Unit Load Devices using satellite connectivity and smart asset tags.

Explore the system Why it matters
SAT TRACE emblem illustrating a satellite tracking a Unit Load Device.
Status · Ongoing Satellite-Enabled Tracking and Cargo Efficiency

01 Mission

Close the visibility gap in global air cargo.

Thousands of Unit Load Devices are misplaced every year, creating delays, unnecessary repositioning and avoidable financial loss.

Existing tracking solutions depend largely on terrestrial communication networks and provide limited coverage.

SAT TRACE combines satellite connectivity with smart asset tags to deliver reliable tracking throughout the operational lifecycle—even where no mobile network is available.

The service gives airlines and ground handlers the information needed to monitor equipment, improve fleet utilisation and make faster operational decisions.

Global asset visibility Reliable ULD location and status information across international routes.
Connectivity beyond cellular coverage Satellite connectivity maintains tracking where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable.
Faster recovery and fleet utilisation Better asset information supports quicker recovery, improved fleet use and more efficient operational decisions.

02 Users

Users and their needs.

SAT TRACE is designed for airlines, ground handling companies and organisations responsible for managing ULD fleets. These users require reliable asset visibility to reduce losses, improve fleet utilisation and support efficient operations across international air cargo networks.

The service combines global connectivity, secure data handling and simple web-based monitoring without adding unnecessary complexity to existing aviation workflows. The initial target market is Germany, followed by Europe and the global aviation industry.

The six priorities below define what users need from SAT TRACE in daily operations.

01

Continuous global visibility

Reliable ULD location and status information across international routes.

02

Coverage beyond terrestrial networks

Tracking remains available where cellular connectivity is limited or unavailable.

03

Faster ULD recovery

Misplaced assets can be identified and recovered more quickly.

04

Lower operational costs

Reduced leasing, replacement and repositioning requirements.

05

Improved fleet utilisation

Better use of available ULD inventory across the network.

06

Simple and secure operations

Easy workflow integration with secure web monitoring and reporting.

03 System concept

From the ULD to the screen—in one resilient chain.

A smart tracking device follows each ULD from location and status detection to secure web access. Data uses terrestrial connectivity where available and satellite communication where cellular coverage is unavailable.

SAT TRACE system diagram showing a smart tracking device on a Unit Load Device, terrestrial or satellite data transmission, secure cloud processing and web platform access.
System overviewULD data from the tracking device to the web platform
  1. 01Smart tracking device

    A compact tracking device is attached to the ULD.

  2. 02Location and status detection

    The device detects the ULD location, movement and status.

  3. 03Connected transmission

    Data travels through terrestrial connectivity or satellite communication.

  4. 04Secure cloud processing

    Information is received, validated and processed securely.

  5. 05Web platform access

    Authorised users access clear operational information through the web platform.

Information available in the web platform
  • Current ULD location
  • Movement history
  • Alerts
  • Reports
  • Asset status

04 Space added value

Coverage that does not stop at the edge of a network.

Satellite communication is the primary space asset in SAT TRACE. It extends tracking beyond terrestrial cellular coverage and supports resilient visibility across international and remote operations.

Beyond cellular coverageSatellite communication keeps tracking available where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable.
Fewer tracking gapsMore consistent location and status information across the operational journey.
International reachSupport for remote locations and cross-border aviation operations.
Faster recoveryBetter asset visibility supports faster ULD recovery and improved fleet utilisation.
Lower fleet costsReduced leasing, replacement and repositioning costs.
Scalable and resilientGlobal tracking designed to remain dependable as operations expand.

05 Current status

Building the foundation for operational deployment.

Project status Ongoing
SAT TRACE current status overview showing satellite-connected ULD tracking, the secure cloud platform, web and mobile access, project progress and active activities.
Project progressConcept and requirements phase · Ongoing

SAT TRACE develops and validates an operational service that integrates satellite communication, Internet of Things technologies and aviation workflows into a scalable tracking solution.

Technical performance, operational benefits and commercial potential are evaluated with representative users from airlines and ground handling organisations.

06 About

Prime contractor · Germany

IRPD GmbH

Research, development and delivery under one roof.

IRPD GmbH is the prime contractor behind SAT TRACE, coordinating the development of a satellite-enabled service for reliable Unit Load Device visibility across global air cargo operations.

The company connects applied research, technology development and market-oriented project delivery from its headquarters in Bad Aibling, Germany.

Visit IRPD GmbH
E-mail info@sattrace.eu
Related links IRPD GmbH website