# Real-Time Contrail Monitoring and Mitigation Using CubeSat Constellations
## 5 Future Roadmap and Implementation
### Integration with Flight Management Systems (FMSs)  
The integration of CubeSat data into flight management systems (FMSs) [63] is a critical component of the overall strategy for mitigating the environmental impact of contrails. FMSs are sophisticated onboard systems that assist pilots in planning and executing flight paths, optimizing fuel efficiency, and ensuring safety. By integrating real-time atmospheric data from CubeSats, FMSs can be enhanced to include environmental considerations, such as the avoidance of contrail-prone areas. The process of integrating CubeSat data into FMSs would involve several steps:  
1. Data processing and interpretation: The raw data collected by CubeSats would need to be processed and interpreted in real time to generate actionable insights. This would involve the use of machine learning algorithms that can predict contrail formation based on current atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of ice-nucleating particles. 2. Real-time data transmission: The processed data would then be transmitted to aircraft in real time, allowing pilots and FMSs to make informed decisions during flight. This would require the development of secure and reliable communication channels between the CubeSat network and aircraft systems, potentially leveraging existing aviation communication networks, such as ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) [64] and satellite-based datalinks. 3. FMS interface and decision making: The final step would involve integrating these data into the FMS interface, where it could be presented to pilots as part of their flight management tools. This could include visual overlays on navigation displays indicating contrail-prone areas, as well as automated suggestions for altitude changes or route adjustments that would minimize the likelihood of contrail formation. Pilots would retain ultimate control over these decisions, but the enhanced FMS would pro vide valuable guidance to help reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or efficiency. 4. Pilot training and system validation: Successful integration would also require training pilots to use the enhanced FMS effectively. This would involve familiarizing them with the new environmental data inputs and how to interpret and act on them. Additionally, rigorous validation processes would be needed to ensure that the integration does not inadvertently introduce any safety risks or operational inefficiencies. Figure 11 illustrates the integration of CubeSat data into the flight management system (FMS) architecture to enable contrail-aware flight planning. Real-time atmospheric data from CubeSats, including humidity, temperature, and contrail prediction information, is fed into the flight planning and navigation modules. These data allow for dynamic adjustments to flight paths, helping to mitigate contrail formation. By incorporating CubeSat inputs, the system optimizes flight routes to reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. Figure 12 illustrates the end-to-end data processing workflow for contrail detection in the CubeSat-based monitoring system. Data collected from CubeSats are transmitted to a central processing unit, where they undergo machine learning analysis and contrail detection algorithms. This process enables real-time monitoring and mitigation of contrail formation in aviation. One practical application of the CubeSat-based contrail monitoring system is its integration into flight management systems to dynamically adjust flight paths. The system identifies contrail-prone regions using real-time atmospheric data and suggests alternate routes that avoid supersaturated areas or minimize their impact. To ensure feasibility, this approach evaluates environmental benefits against operational costs, akin to the aviation cost index methodology.