Next Gen key step: ADS-B helping Houston Controllers in the Gulf

A key technology in the US Next Generation air traffic control system has been deployed to Houston and is now significantly increasing capacity and helping controllers track traffic over the Gulf of Mexico, something it could not do before, owing to the lack of radar coverage over such a wide expanse. Satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) affords more efficient and safe aircraft separation and management over the Gulf.