ORBCOMM Inc., a global provider of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions, has announced that it will launch six next generation OG2 satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida aboard a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket scheduled for the morning of May 10, 2014.
ORBCOMM’s OG2 satellites are far more advanced than its current OG1 satellites and will provide existing customers with significant enhancements, such as faster message delivery, larger message sizes and better coverage at higher latitudes, while drastically increasing network capacity. In addition, the OG2 satellites are equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped vessels for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts, increasing asset visibility and the probability of detection for ORBCOMM’s AIS customers.
“Launching our first OG2 mission is an important milestone in advancing our global satellite network to a higher level of performance, coverage and efficiency,” says Marc Eisenberg, ORBCOMM’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our customers are looking forward to our new constellation, which will enhance their M2M applications, as well as new partnerships in the multiple additional markets for which OG2 is well suited.”
ORBCOMM anticipates launching the remaining 11 OG2 satellites and enhanced OG2 services in the fourth quarter of 2014 to complete its next generation constellation.
ORBCOMM launching next generation OG2 satellites
ORBCOMM will launch six next generation 0G2 satellites, providing customers with faster message delivery, larger message sizes and improved coverage.
May 9, 2014