Eutelsat orders ELO, its first low-orbit nanosatellite designed for the Internet of Things

IoT specialist Sigfox will partner with Eutelsat to analyze the spectrum used by the satellite in ISM frequency bands and process the data sent by the objects.

Eutelsat has ordered a nanosatellite from the manufacturer Tyvak International, a subsidiary of Terran Orbital, a leading aerospace provider of microsatellites and nanosatellites. Eutelsat LEO for Objects (ELO) will allow evaluating the performance of low Earth orbit (LEO) for narrowband data exchanges between objects. The satellite operator will rely on Sigfox technology, which operates a unique global narrowband network dedicated to Internet of Things (IoT).

Low Earth orbit is particularly suitable for narrowband networks for objects. It can offer a satellite link anywhere in the world, complementing terrestrial IoT networks without impacting the cost or energy consumption of the objects. ELO, whose launch is scheduled for 2019, will transmit data from objects located in areas that are not covered by terrestrial networks and will offer redundancy within the area that they do cover.

Sigfox will work with Eutelsat in two ways: will analyze the spectrum used by the satellite in ISM frequency bands and will process the data sent by the objects. ELO will also be used to test connectivity in other frequency bands. The synergies developed through the partnership with Sigfox, in addition to other strategic partners in the telecommunications industry, should generate new opportunities for Eutelsat in a rapidly growing market.

Jean-Hubert Lenotte, Strategy Director at Eutelsat, stated that "with the growth of the Internet of Things, new services are being developed in various sectors such as smart cities, mining, agriculture and logistics. We are delighted to be able to explore new territories through the development of this nanosatellite, which once again demonstrates the intrinsic complementarity between terrestrial networks and satellite technology. “By analyzing the compatibility between the LEO orbit and connected objects and working with recognized partners in the sector, Eutelsat seeks to offer an innovative solution that will respond to the needs of future customers.”

Located in a sun-synchronous orbit between 500 and 600 km high, the satellite will collect data from connected objects around the world, equipped with the same omnidirectional antennas already used by terrestrial IoT networks. The data will then be transmitted daily to an earth station, located on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean.