1. Using ORBCOMM for Global High-Altitude Communications
Tim Maclay
Celestial Insight, Inc.
Bridging the Gap to Space
Boulder, CO
October 26-28, 2009 1

2. Overview ORBCOMM service and applications Network architecture
Messaging types
Constellation coverage
Subscriber communicators
Applications and service distribution
Other possibilities for cooperation

3. Global M2M Messaging via Satellite
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation
Low-cost, two-way short messaging service
Remote monitoring and control of fixed and mobile assets
Coordinated fleet operations
Marine &
Homeland
Security
Transportation
Heavy
Equipment
Fixed &
Industrial
Assets

4. Messaging Network Elements
Types f Service
Messaging Network Elements
Packetized
Fully-acknowledged
Optimized for short msg
Narrow band VHF
2.4 kbps u/l
MHz
56 kbps
4.8 kbps d/l
MHz
Leased Line
Internet
VSAT
Subscriber
Communicator
(SC)
Gateway
Earth Station
(GES)
Gateway Control Center (GCC)

5. Messaging Types Reports SC-Originated Messages SC-Terminated Messages
6 bytes of user data
Often used for position reporting for tracking applications
SC-Originated Messages
Typical size is under 300 bytes, but up to several kB possible
Transmitted in segments of 135 bytes (first segment carries 107 user bytes, 111 bytes thereafter)
SC-Terminated Messages
Typical sizes similar to SC-O messaging
Often used for code uploads or remote device actuation
Global Grams
229 bytes in-bound (from SC), and 182 out-bound (to SC)
Takes advantage of store-and-forward mode when satellite is not in view of a tracking station

6. Constellation Architecture
First generation constellation
4 principal planes of up to 8 satellites each
800 km altitude, 45-deg inclination
Optimized for CONUS coverage
2 high-inclination planes provide polar coverage
Low latitude coverage can be augmented with Equatorial plane
Original constellation deployed 35 satellites into 6 orbital planes from 1995 to 1999
6 replenishment satellites launched in 2008
Second generation (OG2) constellation is in production
Firm order for 18 satellites with options for more
Launch of first set of 3-4 satellites anticipated for Q1 2011

7. OG1 Satellites Built and launched by Orbital Sciences
Whole plane of 8 satellites launched on single LV
Fully independent operation gives built-in redundancy
Nadir-pointing antenna
Tracking solar arrays: 200 W peak
Weight < 100 lbs
27 OG1 satellites still operating today
First launch in 1995, one to two per year since 1997.
VHF frequencies, key aspect of system design to keep costs low
Gateway for backhaul, dedicated subscriber Rx, Tx

8. Satellite Coverage at Ground Level
Depicted are four planes of six satellites each

9. Satellite Coverage at 80,000 ft
Depicted are four planes of six satellites each

10. Current Earth Station Coverage

11. Subscriber Communicators
Subscriber Communicators (SC’s) are small, rugged, two-way devices built to industrial standards. They are available in many different configurations and form-factors
General Specifications
Transmit Frequency
MHz
Receive Frequency
MHz
Transmit Power
5 Watts (37 dBm)
Power Draw
Rx mA; Tx 1.8A
Dynamic Range
40 dB
Sensitivity
-118 dBm (typical)
Uplink Data Rate
2400 BPS
Downlink Data Rate
4800 BPS
Operating Temp
-40°C to +85°C

12. User Equipment Subscriber Communicator (potential feature suite)
ORBCOMM communications modem
Application space
GPS
I/O ports for logging, code loads, and sensors
Power conditioning
GSM card for dual-mode operation
Typically < $200
Additional equipment
Power via battery, solar arrays, or direct electrical feed
Antenna(s)

13. Show and Tell Sierra Wireless Q52 ORBCOMM modem GSM modem GPS receiver
Application space
WaveComm microprocessor
Two RS 232 serial ports
14-pin I/O connector for sensor integration +
Charging circuit for external Li Ion battery
Power conditioning/protection

14. Applications and Service
ORBCOMM distributes service through VARs
SC application development support
Back office application development and operation
Service subscriptions
SC manufacturers provide API environment
Development libraries
Visual DSP from Analog Devices, CygWin open source, etc.
ORBCOMM also provides some standard application routines and development support

15. Other Commercial Opportunities
ORBCOMM is interested in economical ways of augmenting capacity in targeted regions
CONUS has higher demand than international territories
Flying ORBCOMM payload on balloons concentrates capacity where it is needed
Cost of equipment and operation may be cost-effective

16. Other Commercial Opportunities, cont’d
ORBCOMM is interested in hosting scientific payloads on its OG2 satellites
2 slots available in chasis, compact PCI form factor
<10 kg mass
9 x 3 x 4 inch volume
50 W power
1 kbps data nominally, 800 kbps possible
Cost likely in single-digit $millions NRE, lower per copy
Capability is powerful
Faster and cheaper than dedicated satellite mission
Deploying constellation-wide provides continuous and simultaneous global measurements