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Global communication is not as simple as it seems, think for example of dependence on GSM (roaming, coverage). The perfect network is Iridium, but with nano satellite networks you can simplify global IoT communication and reduce costs.
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Kinéis and Astrocast are two different satellite constellations that focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The similarity between them is that they both need around 40 satellites to complete the network. The satellites will fly around the earth in polar orbits at an altitude of approximately 600km. Both organisations have secured sufficient funding to complete the constellations.
Kinéis operates in the UHF band at approximately 400MHz and Astrocast in the L-band at approximately 1600MHz. This means that there are expected to be different markets for both constellations. Kinéis could work well indoors, while Astrocast will have difficulty doing so because of its high frequency. Astrocast 's high frequency means that a small patch antenna can be used, allowing the development of compact (maritime) terminals. The antenna designs and electronics for both networks are energy-efficient and aimed at the NM-IOT market: little data, low energy consumption and cheaper. Meanwhile, we have received many requests for the design of global tracker applications. With an Iridium design we would be done in no time, but if you have a lot of IoT devices, then designing for these networks pays for itself quickly. Leap Development already has a signed Letter of Intend and/or an NDA with both organisations and we are doing a study on applications and market segments. As Value Added Developer for Astrocast, Kineus we have also purchased the development kits including a portal and tools. We can afford these investments as Leap Development: for a start-up that is more difficult. And, of course, we have our own anachoistic measuring room at our disposal for a fast time-to-market. |
Low frequency, indoor coverage, uplink only.
High frequency, small antenna, up-and-downlink.
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