ASDE-X, or surface movement radar systems, enhance surface safety by monitoring what?

• A. To regulate weather data dissemination to pilots.
• B. To control civilian drone traffic.
• C. To provide precipitation radar coverage for the airfield.
• D. To enhance surface safety by monitoring movement of aircraft and vehicles on the airfield.

Answer: (D)

ASDE-X is all about giving air traffic control a real-time view of what’s happening on the airport surface. It uses radar and other sensors to track the precise positions of every aircraft and ground vehicle as they move on runways and taxiways, even in challenging visibility. This continuous surface surveillance helps controllers keep safe separations, prevent runway incursions, and coordinate movements during taxiing and pushback.

The other options don’t fit this purpose. Weather data dissemination and precipitation radar are about atmospheric conditions and weather coverage, not tracking ground movement. Drone traffic control is a different domain with its own systems. So the best fit is monitoring the movement of aircraft and vehicles on the airfield.