MicroOrbiter-1
MicroOrbiter
MicroOrbiter-1 is an experimental CubeSat designed for Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) IoT communication, specifically for relaying low-power signals from various fixed or mobile sensors in low Earth orbit.
Technical specifications
- Communication frequencies
- 920 MHz and 399.975 MHz
- Communication method
- LoRa modulation, Store & Forward
- Deployment date
- April 11, 2024
- Deployment location
- International Space Station (ISS) Kibo module via J-SSOD
- Launch vehicle
- SpaceX Falcon 9 (CRS-30 Cargo Dragon)
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO), approximately 400 km altitude, 51.6° inclination
- Regulatory approval
- Preliminary radio license from Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, JAXA safety review Phase-0/1/2/3 passed
- Testing
- Vibration test, vacuum thermal test
About
MicroOrbiter-1 is an experimental CubeSat developed by Micro Orbiter Inc. in collaboration with Kyushu Institute of Technology. Its primary mission is to enable LPWA IoT communication using a Store & Forward method at 920MHz and 399.975MHz. The satellite is designed to receive weak sensor signals from low-cost, low-power ground terminals using LoRa modulation and relay them to ground stations. This system aims to provide cost-effective management of remote or mobile assets, particularly in areas without developed terrestrial communication networks, such as remote islands, buoys, leisure boats, fishing vessels, or developing countries. It can relay environmental sensor data, location information, and emergency SOS signals. The satellite was successfully deployed into low Earth orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) Kibo module on April 11, 2024, after being transported by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It has undergone rigorous testing, including vibration and vacuum thermal tests, and has received a preliminary radio license from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The flight model features a flat patch antenna on its +Z plane. The project has a strong international collaboration, including partners in Indonesia and the US for ground operations and communication experiments. The satellite is capable of supporting various missions including Communication, Observation, Science, and Education.
Documentation
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