Satellite IoT (SatIoT) is rapidly emerging as an alternative approach to IoT connectivity at an ever-increasing rate. Allowing for SMB’s, SME’s, and enterprise alike to connect without traditional restrictions, the industry is allowing for many aspects of IoT to thrive. IoT has traditionally depended on terrestrial networks for connectivity. However, these networks face significant limitations in remote areas, leaving vast regions disconnected. SatIoT emerges as a solution, transcending the boundaries of terrestrial infrastructure to offer global coverage.
So what is SatIoT, how does it work, where are we seeing its adoption, and what’s next for the sector? To answer these questions and more, IoT Insider spoke with Eric Ménard, Vice President of Strategy and Business at Astrocast.
What’s the rush?
The race to deploy IoT satellites is not only driven by technological advancements and global connectivity needs but also by the strategic manoeuvring of companies in response to the current regulatory landscape. Given the relatively unregulated nature of the industry, many entities are hastening to establish their satellite constellations in orbit before stringent regulations are implemented.
This “rush to space” is motivated by the anticipation that stricter regulations and policies are on the horizon, especially concerning space traffic management, satellite deorbiting procedures, and overall space environmental impact. Companies like SpaceX with its Starlink project, governments around the globe such as Russia, China, and the US, as well as many others in the sector, are aware that the current period may offer more leniency in terms of satellite deployment, frequency allocations, and orbital slots.
The lack of comprehensive international regulation regarding satellite launches and space traffic control has created a window of opportunity. Firms are capitalising on this by launching large numbers of satellites to establish their presence in space and claim valuable orbital real estate. This preemptive strategy aims to secure a competitive advantage in the market before potential regulatory constraints make launches more challenging or restrictive.
However, this trend also raises concerns. The increasing number of satellites in orbit escalates the risk of space debris and potential collisions, necessitating the urgent development of global regulatory frameworks. Organisations like the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are actively working towards international agreements and guidelines to ensure sustainable and responsible use of space.
Key drivers of the SatIoT expansion are:
- Technological advancements: Recent breakthroughs in satellite technology have significantly reduced the size and cost of satellites, making space more accessible. Advancements in miniaturisation, power efficiency, and sensor technology have enabled the development of small, cost-effective satellites tailored for IoT applications.
- Global connectivity needs: Many regions around the world still lack reliable internet access, hindering economic growth and development. SatIoT offers a viable solution to bridge this digital divide, providing connectivity to remote, rural, and maritime regions.
- Business and operational efficiency: Industries such as agriculture, mining, logistics, and environmental monitoring require real-time data from remote locations. SatIoT facilitates this, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and make informed decisions based on timely data.
- Government and defence applications: Governments and defence agencies are increasingly investing in IoT satellites for border surveillance, disaster management, and secure communication channels, recognising their strategic importance.
- Pre-emptive deployment strategy: In the current, relatively unregulated space environment, companies are rapidly deploying satellites to establish their networks before the introduction of anticipated stringent regulations. This strategy aims to secure orbital slots and frequency allocations ahead of tighter control measures, ensuring a competitive edge in the market.
What are IoT satellites?
SatIoT leverages satellite technology to enable IoT devices’ functionality beyond terrestrial network limits. Eric Ménard, Vice President of Strategy and Business at Astrocast, states: “IoT satellites operate beyond the limits of terrestrial networks, thanks to small, low-power devices running for years with a single battery and embedded sensors.” Unlike traditional communication satellites, SatIoT specifically addresses IoT connectivity challenges, especially in remote locations.
Types of IoT satellites
SatIoT primarily uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellites. LEO satellites offer advantages in covering smaller areas and providing frequent overpasses, essential for real-time data transmission. Ménard explains: “LEO satellites circle the Earth in 90 minutes… for uses that require more frequent connectivity, operators have created constellations of numerous LEO satellites linked to ground stations.” In contrast, GEO satellites maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth, suitable for continuous coverage of specific areas.
Networks and data transmission in SatIoT
The choice of network significantly impacts SatIoT’s data transmission efficiency. Ménard highlights: “L-Band is particularly adapted as transmissions are not affected by weather conditions, and need smaller antennas than VHF or SBAND.” This makes LEO satellite constellations more suitable for IoT applications in remote areas requiring low power consumption.
Benefits of IoT satellites for businesses and end-users
SatIoT offers unparalleled access to remote areas, sidestepping the high costs of terrestrial infrastructure development. Ménard remarks: “With Sat IoT, end users can scale up their operations homogeneously, and not limit the benefit of IoT, where there is only a terrestrial telecommunication network.” This global connectivity is crucial for industries and services operating beyond conventional network ranges.
Real-world applications of SatIoT
Astrocast’s involvement in various sectors illustrates SatIoT’s versatility. Ménard cites the integration of their Astronode S in Ontoto’s borehole monitoring as a prime example of efficient, cost-effective satellite connectivity for remote mining sites. Another notable application is livestock tracking, where SatIoT enables farmers to manage herds remotely in areas devoid of terrestrial connectivity.
The drive to populate LEO with IoT satellites
The anticipated exponential growth of IoT devices necessitates a robust LEO satellite network. Ménard observes: “Operators have to deploy constellations of multiple tens of Sat to ensure relatively small latency end to end.” This approach addresses the challenge of providing consistent, low-latency connectivity across vast areas.
Satellite constellations and IoT network reliability
The deployment of satellite constellations enhances IoT networks’ reliability and coverage. These constellations ensure continuous connectivity, essential for real-time monitoring and control in sectors like environmental monitoring and logistics.
The impact of growing interest in IoT satellites
The burgeoning interest in SatIoT is shaping the development and deployment of global satellite constellations. This trend reflects the increasing demand for reliable, wide-reaching connectivity solutions, especially in underserved regions.
Ménard points out the growing concern about space debris, leading to regulations favouring sustainable satellite practices: “Regulation favour Satellites equipped with propulsion, either to avoid collisions when risks are detected or to bring the Sat back in the atmosphere when reaching its end of life.”
Future outlook
Looking ahead, Ménard foresees a gradual but impactful evolution of SatIoT: “Use cases must demonstrate the RoI in developing and deploying new products… however, it is still cheaper and more cost-effective to use new space operators for SatIoT than more expensive, traditional predecessors.”
Whilst for now we can expect continual deployment, in the coming years we can certainly expect to see a range of new regulations introduced in the satellite IoT (SatIoT) industry to address the challenges posed by the rapidly increasing number of satellites in orbit. Key areas of focus for these regulations will likely include:
Space traffic management: As the number of satellites in orbit grows, so does the risk of collisions and space debris. Regulations may be introduced to improve the coordination of satellite movements, similar to air traffic control systems on Earth. This would include mandatory sharing of satellite location data and planned orbital paths to avoid potential collisions.
Debris mitigation and end-of-life protocols: Regulations will likely mandate measures to reduce space debris, such as requiring satellites to have deorbiting capabilities or to move to a ‘graveyard orbit’ at the end of their operational life. This could help prevent the creation of new debris and reduce the risk of collisions with operational satellites.
Frequency spectrum management: With the increasing demand for wireless communication bandwidth, there will be a need for stricter management of the frequency spectrum. Regulations could be established to prevent interference between different satellite systems and ensure fair access to this limited resource.
Sustainability standards: Regulations may be introduced to promote sustainability in space, including requirements for the use of renewable energy sources, minimising the environmental impact of launches, and using materials that reduce the longevity of debris in orbit.
Global collaboration and compliance: Given the international nature of space, there will be a push for global standards and agreements to ensure that these regulations are effective and uniformly enforced. This would require collaboration between countries and international organisations like the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
These regulations will aim to ensure the sustainable and responsible use of space, balancing the benefits of satellite technology with the need to protect the space environment for future generations.
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