Global IoT Connectivity: LPWAN over Satellite System Enters Testing Phase

Bridging the Digital Divide: LPWAN over Satellite for Global IoT Connectivity

As we advance through laboratory testing of our LPWAN over Satellite system, I am excited to share details of a technology that promises to eliminate the last remaining connectivity gaps on our planet. By adapting LoRaWAN protocols for satellite transmission, we are creating a unified IoT infrastructure that operates seamlessly from the heart of London to the most remote Antarctic research station.

The Connectivity Challenge

Despite remarkable advances in terrestrial networks, over 50% of Earth's surface remains without reliable data connectivity. Traditional satellite communication is prohibitively expensive for IoT applications, whilst terrestrial LPWAN technologies like LoRaWAN are limited by gateway placement. Our solution bridges this gap by enabling standard LoRaWAN devices to communicate directly with satellites, providing truly global coverage at terrestrial network costs.

Technical Architecture: LoRaWAN Meets Space

Adapting LoRaWAN for satellite communication required fundamental reimagining of the protocol stack:

• Doppler Compensation: Advanced algorithms predict and compensate for frequency shifts up to ±30 kHz caused by satellite motion, maintaining link stability throughout the pass

• Adaptive Data Rates: Dynamic spreading factor adjustment from SF7 to SF12 based on link quality, achieving up to 1 Mbit/s in optimal conditions whilst maintaining 50 bps minimum for extreme range

• Time Synchronisation: GPS-disciplined timing enables precise transmission windows, reducing collision probability and maximising satellite utilisation

• Store-and-Forward: Satellites buffer messages during orbit, downloading to ground stations when in range, ensuring no data loss even with intermittent ground infrastructure

Constellation Strategy: Optimal Altitude Selection

Our analysis has focused on three constellation architectures, each offering unique advantages:

LEO (500-600km):

• Lower latency (5-10ms round-trip)

• Smaller link budget requirements

• More satellites needed for continuous coverage

VLEO (200-350km):

• Ultra-low latency (<5ms)

• Minimal transmission power required

• Synergy with our atmospheric monitoring projects

• Higher atmospheric drag requires propulsion systems

Hybrid Multi-Orbit:

• Combines LEO and MEO satellites

• Optimises coverage versus capacity

• Leverages existing partner infrastructure

Revolutionary Use Cases

Maritime Applications:

Ships generate vast amounts of operational data—engine telemetry, cargo conditions, weather observations—yet transmitting this data via traditional satellite services costs thousands per megabyte. Our LPWAN solution enables continuous monitoring at less than £1 per device per month, revolutionising fleet management and maritime safety.

Precision Agriculture:

Remote farms in Australia, Africa, and South America can deploy the same LoRaWAN sensors used in Europe, with seamless satellite failover when beyond terrestrial gateway range. Soil moisture, crop health, and livestock tracking become economically viable even in the most isolated locations.

Environmental Monitoring:

Climate research requires data from Earth's most inhospitable regions. Our system enables deployment of thousands of low-cost sensors across polar ice sheets, rainforest canopies, and ocean buoys, providing unprecedented insight into environmental change.

Asset Tracking:

High-value cargo containers, construction equipment, and logistics assets move seamlessly between cellular, LoRaWAN, and satellite coverage without manual network switching or multiple subscriptions. A single device works everywhere.

Laboratory Testing: Proving the Concept

Our test facility has successfully demonstrated key system capabilities:

• End-to-end message delivery with simulated Doppler and path loss

• Seamless handover between satellite passes

• Coexistence with terrestrial LoRaWAN networks

• Power consumption under 100mW average for hourly transmissions

• Message latency from sensor to application server under 3 minutes globally

Strategic Partnerships

Rather than building our own constellation, we are partnering with established satellite operators to accelerate deployment. These partnerships provide immediate access to orbital infrastructure whilst we focus on the ground segment and protocol optimisation. Additionally, collaboration with major LoRaWAN chipset manufacturers ensures our enhancements will be available in standard, low-cost hardware.

Ground Infrastructure Innovation

Our distributed ground station network leverages software-defined radio technology to minimise infrastructure costs. A single ground station can simultaneously track multiple satellites, demodulate hundreds of channels, and forward data directly to customer application servers via standard LoRaWAN network server interfaces.

Economic Model: Democratising Satellite IoT

Traditional satellite IoT services charge £50-200 per device per month. By leveraging LoRaWAN's efficiency and our optimised constellation design, we project operating costs of under £2 per device per month for typical industrial applications. This 25-100x cost reduction makes satellite IoT accessible to entirely new market segments.

Regulatory Progress

We are actively engaged with ITU and national regulators to secure necessary spectrum allocations. The use of ISM bands for LoRaWAN provides significant regulatory advantages, as these frequencies are already harmonised globally for low-power communications.

Path to Commercial Deployment

Following successful laboratory testing, our roadmap includes:

• Q1 2026: High-altitude balloon testing for stratospheric validation

• Q2 2026: First satellite payload integration with partner platform

• Q3 2026: On-orbit demonstration with select customers

• Q4 2026: Commercial service launch with initial constellation

• 2027: Full constellation deployment for global coverage

This technology represents more than just another connectivity option—it is the key to truly ubiquitous IoT, where every sensor, everywhere, can contribute to our understanding and management of the planet's resources.

For partnership opportunities and early access programmes, please contact our Satellite Communications Division.