Alén Space validates in orbit the payload of the first CubeSat of Sateliot’s constellation

August 9, 2021

The payload designed and developed by Alén Space for the first nanosatellite of Sateliot’s constellation has successfully completed its first in-orbit demonstrations. This validation process is a fundamental step for providing IoT communications services with worldwide 5G coverage.

Sateliot’s first Cubesat, which was launched into space on March 22, 2021 from the Russian Baikonur Cosmodrome, has passed the In-Orbit Commissioning Phase and it has begun to carry out the service tests.

To ensure the proof of concept and the validation of the proper operation, test IoT terminals have been installed in two geographic areas of Spain. They will allow to analyse in detail the 5G IoT services during the satellite lifetime.

Sateliot has verified that the signals transmitted by TOTEM — Alén Space’s SDR platform developed as the payload of the nanosatellite — can be detected and decoded by ground segment devices. In addition, the messages which were sent by the terminals correctly reach the satellite and subsequently to the end user.

Thus, Sateliot has obtained relevant information in this preliminary phase to move forward with the rest of the satellites inside the constellation. It is expected to start offering commercial service to telecommunications operators in 2022.

Alberto González, Alén Space’s CTO, explains that this phase has taken “another step forward in the project and in our collaboration with Sateliot.” TOTEM solution has so far met all expectations. “The payload is operating as planned and it has demonstrated its adaptability to reconfigure it remotely in orbit, adjusting the provided service,” says Alberto González.