A pivotal moment is on the horizon for global IoT connectivity, as Sateliot gears up to launch the first-ever low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation adhering to 5G standards. Set to take flight in July 2024 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission, these pioneering satellites are poised to bridge the divide, offering universal cellular network coverage and linking millions of IoT devices worldwide seamlessly. This groundbreaking venture is not merely a technical feat but a strategic leap, aimed at democratizing IoT connectivity for an array of enterprises and administrations.At the core of the upcoming launch are four CubeSat 6U satellites, each representing an extensive investment of €500m and engineered for resilience with a five-year mission life and an orbital altitude of 600 kilometers. The involvement of heavy hitters in the industry, including the backing of the European Space Agency and alignment with the 3GPP standards, speaks volumes about the project’s significance. But what truly magnifies this endeavor’s potential are the collaborative dynamics, notably with Telefónica, to merge satellite reach with the expanse of cellular networks through GSMA roaming protocols.
