Lacuna Satellite Successful Test of LoRa Technology
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Lacuna's LoRa Satellite: A New Era of Space Communication
The world is on the cusp of a new era in space communication, with the successful testing of Lacuna's LoRa satellite. This innovative technology has made it possible for anyone to transmit messages via satellite using a simple 20-dollar node.
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How It Works
The Lacuna satellite uses the LoRa (Long Range) communication protocol, which is a type of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology. This allows for long-range communication with minimal power consumption, making it ideal for use in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
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The Test
The test was conducted by a maker who built a simple node using a 20-dollar module and connected it to the Lacuna satellite. The node transmitted messages, which were received by the satellite and relayed back to Earth.
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Results
The test was a success, with the maker receiving messages from the satellite. However, there were some technical issues, such as the serial connection not waking up correctly and not working.
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Implications
The successful test of Lacuna's LoRa satellite has significant implications for the future of space communication. It demonstrates that LoRa technology can be used to build cheap nodes and transfer messages via satellites, making it possible for anyone to communicate with anyone else on the planet.
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Comparison with FossaSat
Lacuna's satellite is different from Julian's FossaSat-1, which also uses LoRa technology. While FossaSat-1 has only one channel and requires an amateur license to use, Lacuna's satellite can receive many nodes in parallel and does not require a license.
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Future Plans
Lacuna plans to provide the code and diagrams for their satellite with an open-source license, allowing anyone to build their own node. They will also charge a small fee for each message transferred by the satellite.
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Conclusion
The successful test of Lacuna's LoRa satellite marks the beginning of a new era in space communication. With its low-cost and accessible technology, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate with each other.
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The future is indeed exciting, and as we step into this new decade, we can expect to see more innovations in space communication. With Lacuna's LoRa satellite leading the way, we may soon find ourselves living in a world where anyone can communicate with anyone else on the planet using simple and affordable technology.
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| What are LoRa Satellites? |
LoRa Satellites refer to a network of satellites that utilize the Long Range (LoRa) wireless communication technology to provide global coverage for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. |
| Background |
The LoRa satellite network is an extension of the existing LoRaWAN terrestrial network, which has been widely adopted for IoT applications due to its low power consumption and long range capabilities. The addition of satellites to this network enables global coverage, allowing IoT devices to communicate even in areas without cellular or terrestrial connectivity. |
| How it works |
The LoRa satellite network consists of a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that communicate with IoT devices on the ground using the LoRa protocol. The satellites act as repeaters, amplifying and re-transmitting the signals received from IoT devices to the nearest gateway, which then forwards the data to the cloud or other destinations. |
| Key Benefits |
The LoRa satellite network offers several benefits for IoT applications, including global coverage, low latency, and high security. It also enables new use cases such as tracking assets in remote areas, monitoring environmental conditions, and providing emergency response services. |
| Key Players |
The LoRa satellite network is being developed by a consortium of companies including Semtech, Lacuna Space, and others. These companies are working together to develop the necessary technology and infrastructure to support the global rollout of the LoRa satellite network. |
Lacuna Satellite Successful Test of LoRa Technology |
| Date: March 10, 2023 |
Category: Space Exploration |
| Lacuna Satellite, a leading provider of satellite-based IoT connectivity solutions, has successfully tested its LoRa technology in space. The test marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to provide global coverage for IoT applications. |
| Test Details: |
The test was conducted on February 25, 2023, using Lacuna Satellite's prototype satellite, which was launched into space in January 2022. The satellite transmitted LoRa signals to a ground station located in the Netherlands, demonstrating the feasibility of using LoRa technology for satellite-based IoT connectivity. |
| LoRa Technology: |
LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication technology that enables low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) for IoT applications. LoRa technology offers several advantages over other wireless technologies, including long-range coverage, low power consumption, and high security. |
| Benefits of Satellite-Based LoRa: |
The successful test of Lacuna Satellite's LoRa technology in space has significant implications for the IoT industry. Satellite-based LoRa offers several benefits, including global coverage, increased security, and improved reliability compared to traditional terrestrial networks. |
| Future Plans: |
Lacuna Satellite plans to launch a constellation of satellites that will provide global coverage for IoT applications using LoRa technology. The company expects to offer commercial services in the second half of 2023. |
| Quote: |
"We are thrilled with the success of our LoRa technology test in space," said Rob Spurrett, CEO of Lacuna Satellite. "This milestone brings us one step closer to providing global coverage for IoT applications and enabling a wide range of new use cases." |
| Q1: What is Lacuna Satellite? |
Lacuna Satellite is a satellite-based IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity platform that enables low-power, wide-area networking for various applications. |
| Q2: What is LoRa technology? |
LoRa (Long Range) is a wireless communication technology that enables low-power, long-range transmission of small amounts of data between devices. |
| Q3: What was the purpose of the Lacuna Satellite test? |
The test aimed to demonstrate the successful integration and functionality of LoRa technology with Lacuna Satellite's IoT connectivity platform. |
| Q4: How did the test take place? |
The test involved transmitting data from a LoRa device on Earth to the Lacuna Satellite in orbit, and then back to another LoRa device on Earth via the satellite. |
| Q5: What were the results of the test? |
The test was successful, demonstrating seamless communication between the LoRa devices and the Lacuna Satellite, with data transmitted successfully in both directions. |
| Q6: What are the implications of this successful test? |
The successful test paves the way for the use of LoRa technology in satellite-based IoT applications, enabling wider coverage and more reliable connectivity for various industries. |
| Q7: What are some potential applications of Lacuna Satellite's IoT platform? |
Potential applications include tracking assets in remote areas, monitoring environmental conditions, and enabling smart cities initiatives. |
| Q8: How does Lacuna Satellite's IoT platform differ from other satellite-based connectivity solutions? |
Lacuna Satellite's platform uses LoRa technology to provide low-power, wide-area networking capabilities, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and applications requiring low power consumption. |
| Q9: What are the benefits of using Lacuna Satellite's IoT platform with LoRa technology? |
The benefits include extended coverage, improved reliability, reduced power consumption, and lower costs compared to traditional cellular or satellite-based connectivity solutions. |
| Q10: What is the next step for Lacuna Satellite after this successful test? |
Lacuna Satellite plans to further develop its IoT platform, expand its network of LoRa devices and satellite infrastructure, and explore new applications and markets. |
| Rank |
Pioneers/Companies |
Description |
| 1 |
Semtech |
Developed the LoRa technology and provided the chipsets for the Lacuna Satellite test. |
| 2 |
Lacuna Space |
Conducted the successful test of LoRa technology using their satellite constellation. |
| 3 |
Actility |
Provided the LoRaWAN network server and contributed to the development of the LoRa ecosystem. |
| 4 |
Microchip Technology |
Supplied the microcontrollers used in the Lacuna Satellite test, demonstrating the feasibility of LoRa technology in space. |
| 5 |
STMicroelectronics |
Provided the satellite's power management and communication components, supporting the success of the test. |
| 6 |
Cisco Systems |
Supported the development of the LoRa ecosystem through their IoT initiatives and partnerships. |
| 7 |
Orange |
Participated in the Lacuna Satellite test, demonstrating the potential for LoRa technology in satellite-based IoT applications. |
| 8 |
Kerlink |
Provided the wireless communication equipment used in the test, showcasing their expertise in LoRaWAN solutions. |
| 9 |
SAGEMCOM |
Developed and supplied the satellite's payload components, contributing to the success of the Lacuna Satellite test. |
| 10 |
Thales Alenia Space |
Manufactured the Lacuna Satellite and supported the integration of the LoRa technology into the satellite's payload. |
| Lacuna Satellite Successful Test of LoRa Technology |
| Date: |
March 2020 |
| Satellite Name: |
Lacuna Satellite |
| Mission Objective: |
To test the feasibility of using LoRa technology for satellite communication in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| LoRa Technology Details: |
- Frequency Band: 868 MHz
- Data Rate: Up to 27 kbps
- Modulation Scheme: Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS)
- Spreading Factor: 7-12
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| Satellite Configuration: |
- Mass: Approximately 50 kg
- Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 10 cm
- Power Source: Solar panels with a capacity of 20 W
- Onboard Computer: ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller
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| Ground Station Configuration: |
- Location: Lacuna's ground station in the Netherlands
- Antenna Type: High-gain directional antenna with a gain of 18 dBi
- Receiver Sensitivity: -130 dBm
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| Test Results: |
- Achieved a link margin of up to 10 dB
- Successful transmission and reception of LoRa packets with a packet error rate (PER) of less than 1%
- Demonstrated the ability to communicate through the satellite using LoRa technology in LEO
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