The European Space Agency's Proba-V satellite, launched to map global vegetation in May is being put to some interesting uses.

Commercial aircraft have traditionally relied on radar for positioning and air traffic control data. But over vast oceans it is of limited use. Newer aircraft use ADS-B signals to transmit speed, position and altitude data, but the signal is weak. The Proba-V is the first satellite to use these signals to track aircraft over remote expanses like oceans and deserts where receivers are scarce. Continuous tracking by satellite means more efficient routes, better safety and better fuel economy for aircraft.

The satellite, which is smaller than one cubic meter, will still be used mainly for it's primary mission - mapping vegetation around the planet every two days.

This animation explains the benefits of continuous satellite-based aircraft tracking and depicts the satellite tracking aircraft.

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