Open Cosmos satellites promise connectivity boost

The launch on Monday (22 March) saw two nanosatellites launched aboard the Soyuz-2 rocket from the Baikonur base in Kazakhstan. One of the Open Cosmos satellites will grow the IoT constellation of UK-based Lacuna Space, which uses LoRaWAN for IoT LPWAN connectivity. The other is a demonstrator satellite for telecoms operator Sateliot, aiming to provide 5G Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities to remote areas globally.

Built at the Satellite Application Catapult’s DISC facility in Harwell, Oxfordshire, the two satellites will be monitored from four ground stations and will be used to collect data on the environment, biodiversity, maritime logistics and off-shore infrastructure. 

Lockheed confirms UK's small satellites launch capability

Virgin Orbit deploys first satellites to space

Lacuna’s satellite network fills in gaps in coverage and extends connectivity to areas such as oceans or the arctic, where sensors are being used to manage water and power distrubution networks, protect endangered species and track goods across supply chains.