(First published in Rail Technology Magazine, Issue April/May 2011)
Railways and satellites are not obvious companions, but an increasing number of rail companies across Europe are starting to explore the commercial and operational benefits of integrating space technologies into their systems.
In the latest issue of the Rail Technology Magazine, Alan Brunstrom of the European Space Agency explains the impact that space technology could have on the rail industry in signaling and telecoms.
Based on the example of the IAP funded and UK-based rail project IRISS (Intelligent Railways via Integrated Satellites), he discusses aspects of fuel-efficient driving, better information to support decision making, improved liability of trains and accurate, up-to-date timetable information in relation to the role of space technology.
The complete article is available for download below.