Spire > Case Studies > Rapid Deployment and Testing of Orbitare's Satellite-Based IP Communications Network

Rapid Deployment and Testing of Orbitare's Satellite-Based IP Communications Network

Technology Category

Networks & Connectivity - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms

Applicable Industries

Cement
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development
Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Experimentation Automation
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure

Services

Testing & Certification

About The Customer

Orbitare is a company focused on providing global connectivity solutions. They are the creators of SPACELOOP, a satellite-based data transport network designed to deliver IP messaging, email, and file transfer to users anywhere in the world. Their target users include individuals who often find themselves in remote areas where terrestrial networks are inaccessible, such as mariners, polar explorers, journalists, NGO workers, and adventure travelers. These individuals have a growing need for instantaneous communication, which is often difficult to obtain in the remote areas they operate in. Orbitare's mission is to meet this need by providing a reliable and accessible communication solution.

The Challenge

Orbitare, a company focused on providing global connectivity, was in the process of developing a new satellite-based data transport network, SPACELOOP. This network aimed to deliver IP messaging, email, and file transfer to users anywhere in the world, including remote areas where terrestrial networks are inaccessible. However, the project faced a significant challenge: it lacked an existing infrastructure in space to support the testing and development of the application. The need for a solution was urgent, as instantaneous communication has become a basic need for many, including mariners, polar explorers, journalists, NGO workers, and adventure travelers. These individuals often find themselves in remote areas where connectivity is difficult to obtain.

The Solution

To overcome this challenge, Orbitare partnered with Spire Space Services, leveraging their in-space software-defined satellite platform. Spire’s modular, reconfigurable, and expandable satellite platform offered the crucial testing and expansion capabilities that SPACELOOP needed. The solution was implemented in a dual mission approach. In the first mission in April 2021, the SPACELOOP software was deployed to Spire’s on-orbit network for testing. In the second mission in June 2021, Orbitare launched a hosted payload with Spire’s end-to-end service, which included the satellite platform, the scheduled launch, and the global ground segment. This partnership allowed Orbitare to successfully launch their demonstration missions at an accelerated pace and a fraction of the cost.

Operational Impact

The successful partnership with Spire and the subsequent missions have positioned Orbitare for a rapid entry into the market. They can now focus on expanding their services and reaching more users in need of their communication solutions. The use of Spire's flight-proven platform has not only accelerated the innovation process but also promoted a more circular, sustainable, and practical model for Orbitare's operations. This success story demonstrates the potential of collaborations in the space industry to overcome significant challenges and accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies.

Quantitative Benefit

Orbitare was able to begin testing in space in less than half a year.
The partnership with Spire allowed Orbitare to launch their demonstration missions at a fraction of the cost.