Fossasat 1 The First Public LoRa Satellite
The Fossasat-1, the world's first public LoRa satellite, was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The satellite is equipped with a LoRa module that allows it to communicate with LoRa sensors and devices on Earth.
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The satellite's mission is to provide a platform for experimenting with LoRa technology in space. It will allow developers to test their LoRa-based projects in a real-world environment, which can help accelerate the development of new applications and services.
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Before the satellite's launch, enthusiasts were excited to set up their ground stations to communicate with Fossasat-1. The setup included a LoRa module, an antenna, and a computer or microcontroller to control the communication.
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The ground station needs to be configured to match the frequency and settings of the satellite's LoRa module. This involves setting up the correct frequency, bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate to ensure reliable communication with the satellite.
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Once the ground station is set up and configured, it can start sending data to the satellite. The satellite will then receive this data and transmit it back to Earth, where it can be received by other LoRa devices or sensors.
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However, during the first pass of Fossasat-1 over Europe, there were some issues with communication. The satellite was not responding to commands, and only a few stations managed to establish contact.
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One possible reason for this issue could be that the satellite is in low power mode, which would limit its ability to communicate with ground stations. This was not expected, and the team behind Fossasat-1 is investigating the cause of the problem.
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Despite these initial issues, the launch of Fossasat-1 marks an exciting milestone for LoRa technology. It demonstrates the potential for using LoRa in space-based applications and opens up new opportunities for experimentation and innovation.
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The Lacuna project, a commercial initiative that aims to use LoRa technology on the 868 MHz frequency band, is also worth noting. This project will be compatible with LoRaWAN and could potentially provide new opportunities for applications using this frequency band.
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As the Fossasat-1 mission continues to unfold, enthusiasts and developers are eagerly awaiting updates on its progress. The success of this satellite will help pave the way for future LoRa-based space missions and inspire new innovations in this field.
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Understanding TLEs (Two-Line Elements) |
TLEs are a way to describe the position and velocity of an object in space, such as a satellite. They consist of two lines of data that contain information about the object's orbital elements.
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The first line of a TLE contains the object's name, its catalog number, and the epoch (a reference time) for which the orbital elements are valid. The second line contains the six Keplerian elements that describe the object's orbit.
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Ground Station Setup |
A ground station typically consists of a LoRa module, an antenna, and a computer or microcontroller to control the communication.
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The LoRa module should be configured to match the frequency and settings of the satellite's LoRa module. This involves setting up the correct frequency, bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate.
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Communication with Fossasat-1 |
The ground station can send data to the satellite using the LoRa module. The satellite will then receive this data and transmit it back to Earth, where it can be received by other LoRa devices or sensors.
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Initial Issues with Fossasat-1 |
During the first pass of Fossasat-1 over Europe, there were some issues with communication. The satellite was not responding to commands, and only a few stations managed to establish contact.
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Lacuna Project |
The Lacuna project is a commercial initiative that aims to use LoRa technology on the 868 MHz frequency band. This project will be compatible with LoRaWAN and could potentially provide new opportunities for applications using this frequency band.
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LoRa Satellite |
A satellite-based IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity solution that utilizes the LoRaWAN protocol to enable low-power, wide-area networking. |
Background |
The increasing demand for IoT applications and the need for reliable, low-cost, and low-power communication solutions led to the development of LoRa satellite technology. Traditional cellular networks are not optimized for IoT traffic, which requires low-bandwidth, low-latency, and high-capacity connectivity. |
Key Features |
- Utilizes the LoRaWAN protocol for secure, bidirectional communication
- Supports low-power consumption and long battery life
- Provides global coverage through a network of satellites
- Enables real-time data transmission and remote monitoring
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Applications |
- Industrial automation and control
- Agricultural monitoring and management
- Environmental monitoring and tracking
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Smart cities and infrastructure management
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Fossasat-1: The First Public LoRa Satellite |
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Fossasat-1 is a groundbreaking satellite that has opened up new possibilities for amateur radio operators and IoT enthusiasts. Launched on January 24, 2021, Fossasat-1 is the first public LoRa (Long Range) satellite in orbit around the Earth. |
What is LoRa? |
LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication technology that allows for long-range, low-power communication between devices. It operates on unlicensed frequency bands and has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to enable IoT applications. |
Fossasat-1 Mission Objectives |
The primary objectives of the Fossasat-1 mission are: |
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To provide a platform for amateur radio operators to experiment with LoRa technology in space. |
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To demonstrate the feasibility of using LoRa for IoT applications in space. |
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To test and validate the performance of LoRa devices in a space environment. |
Spacecraft Design and Payload |
Fossasat-1 is a 3U CubeSat, measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm. The spacecraft is equipped with a LoRa transceiver, an antenna, and a small computer that controls the payload. |
Launch and Orbit |
Fossasat-1 was launched on January 24, 2021, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite is in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 km. |
Reception and Transmission |
Fossasat-1 receives and transmits LoRa signals on the 868 MHz frequency band. The satellite's antenna is designed to provide a gain of around 6 dB, allowing it to communicate with ground stations equipped with a simple antenna. |
Amateur Radio Operation |
Fossasat-1 provides amateur radio operators with the opportunity to experiment with LoRa technology in space. The satellite's call sign is FOSSASAT-1, and it operates on a frequency of 868.000 MHz. |
Conclusion |
Fossasat-1 has opened up new possibilities for amateur radio operators and IoT enthusiasts to experiment with LoRa technology in space. The satellite's success demonstrates the feasibility of using LoRa for IoT applications in space and paves the way for future missions. |
Q1: What is FOSSASAT-1? |
FOSSASAT-1 is the world's first open-source, public LoRa satellite. It is a small satellite that uses the LoRaWAN protocol to communicate with devices on Earth. |
Q2: What does FOSSASAT-1 stand for? |
FOSSASAT-1 stands for Free and Open Source Satellite. It is an open-source satellite project that aims to make space technology more accessible. |
Q3: What is LoRaWAN? |
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a low-power, wide-area networking protocol designed for wireless communication with devices over long distances. |
Q4: How does FOSSASAT-1 communicate with devices on Earth? |
FOSSASAT-1 communicates with devices on Earth using the LoRaWAN protocol, which allows for low-power, long-range communication between devices. |
Q5: What is the purpose of FOSSASAT-1? |
The primary purpose of FOSSASAT-1 is to provide a public, open-source LoRa satellite that can be used for various applications such as IoT (Internet of Things), research, and education. |
Q6: Is FOSSASAT-1 a commercial satellite? |
No, FOSSASAT-1 is not a commercial satellite. It is an open-source project that aims to make space technology more accessible and provide a public resource for the community. |
Q7: Who developed FOSSASAT-1? |
FOSSASAT-1 was developed by a team of volunteers from around the world, including engineers, developers, and researchers, who came together to create an open-source satellite. |
Q8: How can I use FOSSASAT-1? |
Anyone can use FOSSASAT-1 by building their own LoRaWAN device and registering it with the FOSSASAT-1 network. The project provides open-source software and documentation to help users get started. |
Q9: What are some potential applications of FOSSASAT-1? |
Potential applications of FOSSASAT-1 include IoT, environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, and disaster response. The satellite can be used to collect data from remote or hard-to-reach areas. |
Q10: Is FOSSASAT-1 in orbit now? |
Yes, FOSSASAT-1 was launched into orbit in March 2020 and is currently operational. The satellite can be tracked online, and users can start using the network once they have registered their device. |
Rank |
Pioneers/Companies |
Description |
1 |
Lacuna Space |
Lacuna Space is the company behind FossaSat-1, a public LoRa satellite providing free access to its LoRaWAN network. |
2 |
Semtech Corporation |
Semtech is the manufacturer of the SX1261/62 LoRa transceiver chip used in FossaSat-1, providing long-range communication capabilities. |
3 |
ThingStream |
ThingStream is a LoRaWAN network server that provides device management and data processing for FossaSat-1. |
4 |
Cisco Systems, Inc. |
Cisco is a partner of Lacuna Space, providing networking equipment and expertise for the FossaSat-1 mission. |
5 |
Microchip Technology Incorporated |
Microchip provides microcontrollers used in various LoRaWAN devices, including those communicating with FossaSat-1. |
6 |
STMicroelectronics N.V. |
STMicroelectronics is a supplier of microcontrollers and sensors used in various LoRaWAN applications, including those using FossaSat-1. |
7 |
IMST GmbH |
IMST is a German company providing LoRaWAN modules and development kits for various applications, including satellite communication. |
8 |
RAK Wireless |
RAK Wireless is a Chinese company providing LoRaWAN modules and gateways for various applications, including IoT and satellite communication. |
9 |
EveryNet Advanced Mobile Networks Ltd |
EveryNet is a UK-based company providing LoRaWAN network solutions for various applications, including IoT and satellite communication. |
10 |
Actility |
Actility is a French company providing LoRaWAN network solutions for various applications, including smart cities and satellite communication. |
FossaSat-1 Technical Details |
Satellite Name: |
FossaSat-1 |
Launch Date: |
January 24, 2021 |
Launch Vehicle: |
Vega (VV18) |
Orbit: |
Sun-synchronous orbit, altitude: approximately 510 km |
Mass: |
approximately 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) |
Dimensions: |
10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm (3.9 in x 3.9 in x 11.8 in) |
Power Source: |
Solar panels, power: approximately 5 W |
Communication System: |
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) transmitter and receiver |
Frequency: |
868 MHz or 923 MHz (configurable) |
Bandwidth: |
125 kHz, 250 kHz, or 500 kHz (configurable) |
Spreading Factor: |
7 to 12 (configurable) |
Coding Rate: |
1/2 or 4/5 (configurable) |
Payload Capacity: |
up to 50 kbps |
Antenna: |
Quarter-wave monopole antenna |
Mission Lifetime: |
6 months (design life), extendable to 1 year or more |
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