ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2)
In 2008, ORBCOMM selected Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) under a fixed-price $117M contract to develop, build, and integrate 18 spacecraft in the first phase of ORBCOMM Generation 2 (OG2). Boeing’s Intelligence and Security Systems unit and ITT’s Space Systems group are key partners on the ORBCOMM program, which will eventually include 48 satellites. SNC is currently assembling and testing the first spacecraft and is building an assembly-line production capability at its Space Systems Group headquarters in Louisville, Colorado. OG2’s first launch is scheduled for early 2011.
The ORBCOMM satellite constellation provides low-cost, reliable, two-way data communications services around the world through a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure. ORBCOMM's products are installed on trucks, trailers, railcars, containers, heavy equipment, fluid tanks, utility meters, pipelines, marine vessels, oil wells and other assets. The system can send and receive short messages, between six bytes and several kilobytes, in near real-time, allowing users to access critical information readily, often from areas beyond the geographic reach of terrestrial systems.
ORBCOMM operates a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that provide worldwide coverage. These satellites are relatively small in size and have significantly lower power requirements as compared to geostationary satellites. ORBCOMM is preparing now to deploy the second generation of its constellation which will replenish the original fleet and add additional communication services.
