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ORBCOMM Inc. is an American company that offers industrial IoT products designed to track, monitor, and control fixed and mobile assets in markets including transportation, heavy equipment, maritime, oil and gas, utilities and government. The company provides hardware devices, modems, web applications, and data services delivered over multiple satellites and cellular networks.

Key Information

As of June 30, 2021, Orbcomm has more than 2.3 million billable subscriber communicators,[1] serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Caterpillar Inc., Doosan Infracore America, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., John Deere, Komatsu Limited, and Volvo Construction Equipment, as well as other customers such as J. B. Hunt,[2] C&S Wholesale Grocers, Canadian National Railways, C.R. England, Hub Group, KLLM Transport Services, Marten Transport, Swift Transportation, Target, Tropicana, Tyson Foods, Walmart and Werner Enterprises.[3]

Orbcomm owns and operates a global network of 31 low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellite and accompanying ground infrastructure, including 16 gateway Earth stations (GESs) around the world. Orbcomm is licensed to provide service in more than 130 countries and territories worldwide.[4]

History

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Founding and development of low Earth orbit satellite system

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The Orbcomm low Earth orbit (LEO) system was conceived by Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) in the late 1980s. In 1990, Orbital filed the world's first license application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the operation of a network of small LEO spacecraft[5] to provide global satellite services of commercial messaging and data communications services via the company's Orbcomm program.

During the initial stages of the program, Orbital pursued a multi-pronged approach: regulatory approvals, ground infrastructure development and procurement of sites, modem development, and country licensing. In 1992, the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC) supported the spectrum allocation for non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service. With WARC approval, Orbital set up a specific Orbcomm program to develop satellites and ground infrastructure, and Orbcomm became a wholly owned subsidiary of Orbital. In 1995, Orbcomm was granted a full license to operate a network with up to 200,000 mobile Earth stations (MESs).

Orbcomm began procuring gateway Earth station (GES) locations and contracted with a division of Orbital Sciences, located in Mesa, Arizona, to develop and build four sets of GESs and associated spares. Land for the four GESs was procured or leased in Arizona, Washington, New York, and Georgia.

After the 1992 WARC approval, Orbcomm signed contracts with three modem developers and manufacturers: Kyushu Matsushita Electric Company, a division of Panasonic; Elisra Electronic Systems, an Israeli company with expertise in electronic warfare systems; and Torrey Science & Technology, a small San Diego–based company with long ties to Orbital Sciences. Panasonic provided the first Orbcomm-approved MES in March 1995. Elisra followed with the EL2000 in late 1995, and Torrey Science provided the ComCore 200 in April 1996.

During equipment development, Orbcomm also pursued licensing and regulatory approvals in several countries. By 1995, Orbcomm had obtained regulatory approval in 19 countries, with several additional countries well into the regulatory process. Orbcomm was also in initial negotiations with groups in Indonesia, EMEA and Italy for becoming Orbcomm licensees and GES operators in their respective regions.

During the conceptual stages of the LEO satellite communications system, Orbital Sciences purchased a small company in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in small-satellite design. This company built the first three satellites in the Orbcomm system: Orbcomm X, Communications Demonstration Satellite (CDS) 1, and CDS 2. Orbcomm X was lost after a single orbit. To validate the feasibility of commercially tracking and communicating with an LEO satellite, Orbital built an additional communications payload and flew this payload on an SR-71 in 1992. These tests were successful, and work on CDS 1 and 2 continued. CDS 1 and CDS 2 were launched in February and April 1992, respectively. These satellites were used to validate the design of the network further and were showcased in Orbital's plans to sign up an equity partner for the completion of the Orbcomm System.

In June 1992, Orbital created an equal partnership called Orbcomm Global L.P. with Teleglobe Mobile Partners (Teleglobe Mobile), an affiliate of Teleglobe Inc., for the design and development of the LEO satellite system. Teleglobe Mobile invested $85 million in the project and provided international service distribution. Orbital agreed to construct and launch satellites for the Orbcomm system and to construct the satellite control center, the network control center, and four U.S. gateway Earth stations.

Two satellites (F Plane) were launched in April 1995, and the Orbcomm global mobile data communications network was tested in the summer. Teleglobe Mobile invested an additional $75 million in the project that year and joined Orbital as a full joint-venture partner in Orbcomm. In February 1996, Orbcomm initiated the world's first commercial service for global mobile data communications provided by LEO satellites. Orbcomm also raised an additional $170 million.[6] In October 1996, Orbcomm licensed Malaysian partner Technology Resources Industries Bhd. (TRI) to sell Orbcomm's global two-way messaging service in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. TRI became the owner of a 15% stake in ORBCOMM, Teleglobe owning 35%, and the rest held by Orbital.[7]

In December 1997, Orbcomm launched eight satellites (A Plane). In 1998 Orbcomm launched two satellites (G Plane) in February, eight satellites (B Plane) in August, and eight satellites (C Plane) in September. After a short hiatus, Orbcomm launched seven more satellites (D Plane) in December 1999.

With the launch and operation of the C Plane satellites, Orbcomm became the first commercial provider of global LEO satellite data and messaging communications services. Orbcomm inaugurated full commercial service with its satellite-based global data communications network on November 30, 1998. In March 1998, the FCC expanded Orbcomm's original license from 36 to 48 satellites.[8]

In January 2000, Orbital halted funding of Orbcomm, and Teleglobe and Orbital signed a new partnership agreement with 67% ownership to Teleglobe and 33% to Orbital.[9] In May 2000, Teleglobe ceased funding ORBCOMM. Like its voice-centric competitors Iridium and Globalstar, it filed for Chapter 11 protection, in September 2000.

New ownership

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In 2001, a group of private investors purchased Orbcomm and its assets out of an auction process, and Orbcomm LLC was organized on April 4, 2001. On April 23, 2001, this group of investors acquired substantially all of the non-cash assets of Orbcomm Global L.P. and its subsidiaries, which included the in-orbit satellites and supporting U.S. ground infrastructure equipment that the company owns today. At the same time, Orbcomm LLC also acquired the FCC licenses required to own and operate the communications system from a subsidiary of Orbital Sciences Corporation, which was not in bankruptcy, in a related transaction. Orbcomm issued a public offering of stock in November 2006. The company sold 9.2 million shares of common stock.[10][11]

In September 2007, Orbcomm Inc. was sued for its IPO prospectus containing inaccurate statements of material fact. It failed to disclose that demand for the company's products was weakening. In 2009, a payment of $2,450,000 was agreed upon.[12]

In September 2009, Orbcomm signed a contract with SpaceX to launch Orbcomm's next-generation OG2 satellite constellation.[13]

Orbcomm launched its commercial satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) service in 2009.[14] AIS technology is used mainly for collision avoidance and maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. Orbcomm leased the capabilities of two additional satellites, VesselSat-1 and VesselSat-2, launched in October 2011 and January 2012, respectively, for its AIS service from Luxspace.

On July 14, 2014, Orbcomm launched six next-generation OG2 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

In December 2015, the company launched eleven OG2 satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida with the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This dedicated launch marked Orbcomm's second and final OG2 mission to complete its next-generation satellite constellation.[15]

In September 2021, the company announced the completion of its acquisition by GI Partners in an all-cash transaction that values Orbcomm at approximately $1.1 billion, including net debt. As a result, Orbcomm is a privately held company, and its common stock is no longer listed on the Nasdaq stock market.[16]

Acquisitions

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Since 2011, Orbcomm has acquired several companies including:

Satellites

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The first-generation OG1 satellites each weigh 42 kg (93 lb).[21] Two disc-shaped solar panels articulate in 1-axis to track the sun and provide 160 watts of power. Communication with subscriber units is done using SDPSK modulation at 4800 bit/s for the downlink and 2400 bit/s for the uplink.

Each satellite has a 56 kbit/s backhaul that utilizes the popular TDMA multiplexing scheme and QPSK modulation.[22] Orbcomm is the only current satellite licensee operating in the 137-150  MHz VHF band, which was allocated globally for "Little LEO" systems. Several such systems were planned in the early to mid-1990s, but Orbcomm was the only one to launch successfully. In the continental United States, Orbcomm statistically relays 90% of the text messages within six minutes, but gaps between satellites can result in message delivery times of 15 minutes or more. Orbcomm reported during an earnings report call in early 2007 that 50% of subscriber-initiated reports (messages of six bytes in size) were received in less than one minute, 90% in less than 4 minutes, and 98% in less than 15 minutes. With the current constellation of Orbcomm satellites, there is likely to be a satellite within range of almost any spot on Earth at any time of the day or night. Every satellite has an onboard GPS receiver for positioning. Typical data payloads are 6 bytes to 30 bytes, adequate for sending GPS position data or simple sensor readings.

Orbcomm Global launched 35 satellites in the mid to late 1990s. Of the original 35, 24 remain operational today, according to company filings. The plane F polar satellite, one of the original prototype first-generation satellites launched in 1995, was retired in April 2007 due to intermittent service. Two additional satellites (one from each of Plane B and Plane D) were retired in 2008 also due to intermittent service. The other five satellites that are not operational experienced failures earlier. The absence of these eight satellites can increase system latency and decrease overall capacity. Orbcomm has invested in replacement satellites as the first generation is at or nearing the end of life.

On June 19, 2008, six additional Orbcomm satellites were launched with the Cosmos-3M rocket:[citation needed] one Orbcomm CDS weighing 80 kg, and five Orbcomm Quick Launches weighing 115 kg each.[23][24] These new satellites were built by German OHB System AG (platform) and by Orbital Sciences Corporation (payload) and included a secondary AIS.[25][26] Design and production of the satellite platform was subcontracted by OHB System to Russian KB Polyot.

On November 9, 2009, Orbcomm filed a report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission stating that since its launch, communications capability for three of the quick-launch satellites and the CDS has been lost.[27] The failed satellites experienced attitude control system anomalies as well as anomalies with its power systems, which resulted in the satellites not pointing towards the sun and the earth as expected and as a consequence has reduced power generation. The company filed a $50 million claim with its insurers covering the loss of all six satellites[28] and received $44.5 million in compensation.

OG2

[edit]
SpaceX's Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket launched the Orbcomm OG2 Mission 1 on July 14, 2014.

On September 3, 2009, a deal was announced between Orbcomm and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to launch 18 second-generation satellites with SpaceX launch vehicles between 2010 and 2014.[29] SpaceX originally planned to use Falcon 1e rocket, but on March 14, 2011, it was announced that SpaceX would use Falcon 9 to carry the first two Orbcomm next-generation OG2 satellites to orbit in 2011.[30] On October 7, 2012, the first SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of a prototype OG2 Orbcomm communications satellite from Cape Canaveral failed to achieve the proper orbit, and the company filed a $10 million claim with its insurers.[31][32] The Orbcomm satellite was declared a total loss and burned up in the atmosphere upon reentry on October 10, 2012.[33]

On July 14, 2014, Orbcomm launched six next-generation OG2 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. In September 2014, Orbcomm announced that, after in-orbit testing, the six satellites had been properly spaced within their orbital planes and were processing over 20% of the network's M2M traffic.[34] In June 2015, the company lost communication with one of the in-orbit OG2 satellites. The company recorded an impairment charge of $12.7 million to write off the net book value of this satellite as of June 30, 2015. The company stated that the loss of this one satellite is not expected to have a material adverse effect on network communications services.[35]

In October 2015, the company announced that SpaceX plans to launch eleven OG2 satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on the next launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites were deployed on December 21, 2015.[36] This dedicated launch marked ORBCOMM's second and final OG2 mission to complete its next-generation satellite constellation.[37]

Compared to its current OG1 satellites, Orbcomm 's OG2 satellites are designed for faster message delivery, larger message sizes, and better coverage at higher latitudes, while increasing network capacity. In addition, the OG2 satellites are equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped vessels for ship tracking and other maritime navigational and safety efforts.[38]

Frequency range Downlink 137–138 MHz
Uplink 148–150.05 MHz

Network services

[edit]

Orbcomm provides satellite data services. As of May 2016, Orbcomm has more than 1.6 million billable subscriber communicators.[39] Orbcomm has control centers in the United States, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, as well as U.S. ground stations in New York, Georgia, Arizona, Washington and international ground stations in Curaçao, Italy, Australia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Argentina, Morocco, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. Plans for additional ground station locations are underway.

The Orbcomm satellite network best suits users who send small amounts of data. To avoid interference, terminals are not permitted to be active more than 1% of the time, and thus they may only execute a 450 ms data burst twice every fifteen minutes. The latency inherent in Orbcomm's network design prevents it from supporting certain safety-critical applications.

Orbcomm's acquisition of SkyWave Mobile Communications in January 2015 gave the company access to higher bandwidth, lower-latency satellite products, and services that leverage IsatData Pro (IDP) technology over Inmarsat's global L-band satellite network.

ORBCOMM's direct competition includes Globalstar's simplex services (which Orbcomm also resells) and L-band leased capacity services such as those offered by SkyBitz. Orbcomm's most significant competitor is Iridium Communications, which offers the Iridium SBD service, which features data packet, latency, and antenna capabilities similar to that of IDP technology, which is now jointly owned by Orbcomm and Inmarsat.

Orbcomm satellite services can be easily integrated with business applications. Customer data can be retrieved or auto-forwarded via SMTP or HTTP/XML feed directly over the Internet or through a dedicated link.[40]

Orbcomm also partners with seven different cellular providers to offer wireless connectivity, cellular airtime data plans, and SIM cards for M2M and IoT applications.[41]

Orbcomm's other network service business is Automatic Identification System, or AIS, a widely deployed system to track ocean vessels. Six satellites with AIS capability were launched in June 2008, referred to as the Quick Launch satellites. However, all six satellites eventually failed prematurely. When Orbcomm's next-generation satellites launched on July 14, 2014, each one was equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload to receive and report transmissions from AIS-equipped vessels for ship tracking and other maritime applications. Orbcomm combines its satellite AIS data with a variety of terrestrial feeds to track over 150,000 vessels daily for around 100 customers in a variety of government and commercial organizations.[42]

Military contracting

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On December 10, 2020, US Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, contracted Orbcomm for transponders.[43]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
ORBCOMM Inc. is a global provider of (IoT) solutions, specializing in and cellular connectivity for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, , monitoring, and control across sectors including transportation, maritime, heavy equipment, and natural resources. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in , the company operates the world's first commercial dedicated exclusively to IoT, consisting of (LEO) satellites that enable two-way digital messaging and data services with near-global coverage in over 160 countries. With more than 30 years of experience, ORBCOMM serves over 2.4 million subscribers and processes more than 37 billion messages annually through its hybrid network, which includes gateways, devices, and applications to support data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. The company's network, known as the OG2 constellation, features purpose-built LEO optimized for low-power, low-data-rate IoT applications, providing reliable connectivity in remote or challenging environments where terrestrial networks are unavailable. ORBCOMM's end-to-end solutions encompass hardware devices, modems, web-based reporting tools, and , holding over 175 patents and employing around 300 engineers to innovate in areas like visibility and . Since its privatization through acquisition by in 2021, ORBCOMM has expanded partnerships and product offerings, including recent advancements in smart container tracking and enhanced IoT accessibility as of 2025.

Overview

Company Profile

ORBCOMM Inc. is a global provider of (IoT) solutions, delivering , monitoring, and control services through integrated and cellular networks to industries such as transportation, maritime, , and natural resources. In 2025, ORBCOMM relocated its global headquarters to , USA. Headquartered in , , ORBCOMM employs approximately 800 people worldwide, supporting operations across more than 160 countries with over 2.4 million subscribers and processing more than 37 billion messages annually. Following its in 2021 through an acquisition by for $1.1 billion, the company has continued to expand its IoT offerings as a privately held entity. In recent years, ORBCOMM has reported estimated annual revenue of around $310 million, reflecting growth from $248 million in 2020 amid increasing demand for its hybrid connectivity solutions. As of 2025, it operates a fleet of approximately 61 satellites dedicated to IoT applications.

Mission and Operations

ORBCOMM's core mission is to enable global connectivity for (IoT) devices, particularly in remote and challenging environments, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and across industrial sectors. By leveraging advanced satellite and cellular technologies, the empowers businesses to monitor and manage assets in real time, reducing and optimizing use to support broader environmental goals. This mission drives ORBCOMM's commitment to delivering actionable insights that transform data into strategic advantages for customers worldwide. The operational scope of ORBCOMM centers on a hybrid network that integrates (LEO) satellites with terrestrial cellular networks and ground-based gateway systems, facilitating reliable bidirectional data transmission for IoT applications. This architecture ensures seamless connectivity even in areas beyond traditional cellular coverage, enabling two-way messaging and precise positioning services. ORBCOMM's network supports end-to-end solutions, from device deployment to data analytics, allowing for continuous and control without geographical limitations. ORBCOMM serves key industries including , operations, , and utilities, with a strong emphasis on real-time monitoring to improve visibility and decision-making. In and maritime sectors, for instance, the company's solutions provide location tracking and for and vessels, minimizing losses and enhancing . Similarly, in and utilities, capabilities help prevent equipment failures and optimize energy distribution, contributing to overall industry resilience. Sustainability is integral to ORBCOMM's operations, with initiatives focused on reducing through optimized and remote asset control. For example, IoT-enabled have enabled customers to achieve significant fuel savings—such as a 30% reduction in operations—by minimizing idling and improving route , while remote monitoring of assets like reefer containers supports global efforts to cut food waste-related emissions by up to 17.7 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. These efforts align with ORBCOMM's broader goal of promoting eco-friendly practices in industrial IoT. As of 2025, ORBCOMM's services provide near-global coverage across more than 160 countries, supporting two-way messaging and positioning for over 2.4 million connected devices and processing more than 37 billion messages annually to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

History

Founding and Early Development

conceived the ORBCOMM system in 1987 as a low-Earth (LEO) satellite network designed to collect data from remote locations, leading to the establishment of Orbital Communications Corporation as a dedicated to develop and operate the system for global messaging and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. In the early , the company refined this LEO concept into a packet-switched, two-way network using small satellites in circular polar orbits at approximately 775 km altitude, enabling low-cost, store-and-forward messaging for applications such as and . A pivotal early milestone came in October 1994, when the U.S. (FCC) granted Orbital Communications Corporation the first license for a commercial LEO satellite system, authorizing a constellation of 36 satellites—comprising four gateway satellites and 32 subscriber units—operating in the VHF bands of 137-138 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 148-150.05 MHz (Earth-to-space), subject to coordination with other systems to avoid interference. This approval marked ORBCOMM as a pioneer among "Little LEO" providers, with the system planned for non-voice, non-geostationary mobile satellite services focused on short messaging rather than real-time voice or high-bandwidth data. The initial satellite deployments began in 1995, with the first two operational first-generation (OG1) satellites launched on April 3 aboard a Pegasus air-launched rocket from a modified L-1011 aircraft over the Pacific Ocean near Vandenberg Air Force Base; a third satellite was included as a test unit. Subsequent launches continued using Pegasus and other vehicles, culminating in the completion of an initial 28-satellite constellation by September 1998, which enabled the start of commercial global M2M services. By 1999, an additional seven satellites brought the total to 35 in orbit, providing near-global coverage except at the highest latitudes. Despite these technical achievements, ORBCOMM faced significant financial hurdles amid the dot-com era's challenges and delays in achieving full operational revenue, leading ORBCOMM Global L.P.—a formed by Orbital Communications and Teleglobe—to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 15, 2000, due to mounting debts from satellite construction and launch costs exceeding $1 billion. This filing allowed continued operations while restructuring, setting the stage for later ownership transitions.

Ownership Changes

In September 2000, ORBCOMM Global L.P. and seven of its subsidiaries filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of , amid financial difficulties stemming from the high costs of satellite deployment and limited revenue generation from the initial constellation. The filing triggered an auction process for the company's assets, as ongoing financing from parent entities had been terminated, leaving the operations unsustainable. On April 23, 2001, a group of private investors acquired substantially all of the non-cash assets of ORBCOMM Global L.P. and its subsidiaries out of the proceedings for $20 million in cash plus the assumption of $30 million in liabilities. This transaction led to the formation of ORBCOMM LLC (later renamed ORBCOMM Inc.) as a on April 4, 2001, marking a pivotal that preserved the core network and while shedding burdensome debts. The new ownership structure provided the capital needed to resume operations and pursue enhancements to the system, including funding for the development of the second-generation (OG2) satellites. ORBCOMM Inc. went public in November 2006 through an on the Global Market under the ORBC, raising approximately $101 million to support network expansion and commercial growth. The company remained publicly traded for over a decade, navigating market volatility in the IoT and sectors. In April 2021, ORBCOMM entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by , a San Francisco-based private investment firm, in an all-cash transaction valued at $11.50 per share, representing a 52% premium over the prior closing price and an equity value of approximately $557 million (with an enterprise value of about $1.1 billion including net debt). The deal received stockholder approval in July 2021 and FCC clearance in August 2021, culminating in the transaction's completion on , 2021, after which ORBCOMM became a and its shares were delisted from . No further full-company ownership changes occurred through 2025. The transition to private ownership under has allowed ORBCOMM to prioritize long-term investments in its IoT ecosystem, including expanded satellite capabilities and service innovations, free from the quarterly reporting and shareholder return pressures of public markets. This strategic shift has supported sustained growth in industrial IoT applications, building on the foundational stability established post-2001.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

ORBCOMM has pursued growth through strategic acquisitions to expand its IoT and satellite communications portfolio, while recent divestitures have allowed refocusing on high-margin core operations. These transactions have enabled diversification into transportation, maritime, and sectors, integrating complementary technologies to enhance service offerings. In May 2011, ORBCOMM acquired substantially all assets of StarTrak Systems, LLC, a provider of transportation and solutions, for $10 million in cash plus potential earn-outs and other considerations totaling up to approximately $19.7 million. This deal enhanced ORBCOMM's capabilities in asset monitoring and tracking, particularly for refrigerated transportation and visibility. ORBCOMM expanded its satellite IoT hardware offerings in January 2015 by acquiring Mobile Communications for $130 million. , a leading M2M service provider on the network, brought dual-mode satellite and cellular terminals like the IDP series, bolstering ORBCOMM's maritime and remote solutions and integrating into broader M2M services. In 2017, ORBCOMM acquired inthinc, Inc., a telematics firm specializing in fleet management and driver safety technologies, for $35 million subject to adjustments. This purchase integrated advanced vehicle telematics into ORBCOMM's ecosystem, supporting diversification in transportation IoT. Similarly, the October 2017 acquisition of Blue Tree Systems Limited for $34.3 million added in-cab and refrigerated fleet solutions, further strengthening compliance and monitoring tools. In a shift toward portfolio streamlining, ORBCOMM divested its (AIS) business to in November 2025, following an announcement in April 2025; the transaction amount was undisclosed. The AIS unit, focused on satellite-based vessel tracking and maritime data services, was sold to concentrate resources on core IoT amid evolving maritime market dynamics. Overall, these acquisitions bolstered product diversification by incorporating specialized hardware and software for IoT applications, while the AIS divestiture refocused efforts on high-margin IoT growth. For instance, SkyWave's integration enhanced M2M offerings in remote monitoring, as detailed in products and services sections.

Satellite Constellation

First-Generation Satellites (OG1)

The first-generation ORBCOMM satellites, designated OG1, employed a store-and-forward that enabled the collection and relaying of short data packets from ground-based or mobile subscriber units to gateway earth stations via intermediate when direct visibility was unavailable. Each , built on Orbital Sciences Corporation's MicroStar platform, had a compact design resembling a circular disk measuring about 1 meter in diameter and 16 cm thick when undeployed, expanding to a 3.6-meter length and 2.3-meter span upon deployment, with a mass of approximately 43 kg. Orbiting at altitudes ranging from 740 to 825 km in across multiple inclined planes (including polar and equatorial orbits for global coverage), the featured 17 onboard data processors, seven antennas, and a deployable 2.6-meter boom supporting VHF/UHF communications. The OG1 constellation was originally planned for 35 operational satellites plus spares to ensure redundancy and continuous coverage, with deployments beginning in 1995 and continuing through 1999 primarily via air-launched Pegasus rockets and ground-launched Taurus vehicles, though initial phases targeted completion by 1997. By 1998, 28 satellites were operational following key launches, such as the inaugural pair (FM1 and FM2) on a Pegasus from Vandenberg Air Force Base in April 1995 and subsequent groups of eight in December 1997. These satellites operated in the VHF spectrum, utilizing 148–149.9 MHz for subscriber uplinks and 137–138 MHz (plus a UHF band at 400.05–400.15 MHz) for downlinks, supporting data rates of 4.8 kbps uplink and 9.6 kbps downlink optimized for low-bandwidth, short-message Internet of Things (IoT) applications like asset tracking and remote monitoring. Designed for a nominal operational lifespan of 5 years, many OG1 satellites exceeded this due to robust solar arrays and batteries providing up to 100 W near end-of-life, but progressive failures in attitude control and led to the decommissioning of most by the as the network transitioned to newer generations. As of 2025, a partial fleet of legacy OG1 satellites remains in limited use for compatible services, supporting backward-compatible operations amid the hybrid constellation. Early deployment faced signal interference challenges in the shared VHF bands, particularly with NOAA meteorological satellites in the 137 MHz downlink range; these were resolved through FCC-mandated adjustments and coordination rules in the mid-1990s to prevent harmful interference while enabling ORBCOMM's commercial rollout. The bandwidth and processing limitations of OG1 prompted subsequent upgrades in the second-generation system.

Second-Generation Satellites (OG2)

The second-generation satellites, known as OG2, represent a significant upgrade over the first-generation constellation, featuring larger spacecraft designed for enhanced performance in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Each OG2 satellite has a mass of approximately 172 kg and incorporates an advanced communications payload that increases subscriber capacity by up to 12 times compared to OG1 models. Built by Sierra Nevada Corporation, these satellites operate in the VHF band, with downlink frequencies between 137-138 MHz and uplink between 148-150 MHz, enabling faster message delivery and larger data packets while maintaining backward compatibility with existing subscriber devices. Additionally, OG2 satellites integrate GPS receivers for precise orbital positioning and attitude control, supporting more accurate location services for end-user applications. Deployment of the OG2 fleet began with a prototype launch on October 8, 2012, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 during the CRS-1 mission, though the satellite (FM101) failed shortly after deployment and reentered the atmosphere. The primary operational launches followed: six satellites (FM103, FM104, FM106, FM107, FM109, FM111) were successfully orbited on July 14, 2014, via another Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral. This was complemented by the launch of 11 more satellites (FM105, FM108, FM110, FM112-FM119) on December 22, 2015, also on a Falcon 9, completing the initial 17 operational units from a planned 18-satellite series. Early post-launch issues included the loss of FM111 in June 2015, and by August 2017, three additional failures reduced the active fleet; as of November 2025, 10 OG2 satellites remain operational. These launches were conducted using dedicated Falcon 9 missions to ensure precise insertion into low Earth orbit. The OG2 satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 750 km with a 47-degree inclination, distributed across multiple orbital planes to achieve global coverage. This configuration, including drift planes at varying altitudes such as 750 km and 605 km for some units, ensures low-latency messaging, typically under one minute for bidirectional transmissions. The design emphasizes reliability through radiation-hardened components, such as processors and FPGAs, which contribute to a projected lifespan of over five years per satellite. These enhancements allow the OG2 fleet to operate in a hybrid mode with surviving OG1 satellites, providing seamless network transition and supporting advanced IoT applications like until full constellation upgrades.

Next-Generation Developments

In 2017, amid challenges with its second-generation satellites including malfunctioning units and associated impairment costs exceeding $31 million, ORBCOMM announced plans for a smaller batch of third-generation (OG3) satellites to supplement the constellation, targeted for launch in 2018 or 2019. These plans did not materialize, leading the company to pivot toward strategic partnerships and service optimizations rather than large-scale new builds. A key current initiative emerged in October 2020 with a long-term collaboration between ORBCOMM and to deliver next-generation global IoT services, including joint innovation in devices and end-to-end solutions, extending through at least 2035. This leverages Inmarsat's L-band capabilities to augment ORBCOMM's low-Earth network, enhancing coverage and reliability for remote IoT applications. Building on the OG2 , ORBCOMM launched its OGx service in June 2024, enabling up to 40 times faster message delivery and 100 times larger payloads for advanced data like and updates, with further enhancements announced in March 2025 to reduce costs and improve accessibility. ORBCOMM's planned satellite advancements include additional OG2-like deployments via rideshare opportunities and exploration of direct-to-device technologies for 5G-integrated IoT, allowing seamless connectivity without specialized hardware. In support of this, the company has pursued miniaturized payloads through partnerships, such as the 2019 agreement with AAC Clyde Space and Saab to develop and operate VDES-equipped CubeSats for enhanced maritime exchange, with the first (Ymir-1) launched in November 2023 and a second (Ymir-2) in preparation as of 2025. These efforts aim at via smaller, efficient satellites. Regulatory progress has supported these developments, with the FCC granting broader access for non-geostationary operations in 2023 and 2024, including updates to coordination rules that facilitate higher-throughput IoT services; additional approvals in 2025 have enabled ORBCOMM to expand VHF usage for improved network performance.

Products and Services

IoT and M2M Solutions

ORBCOMM provides a range of hardware solutions for (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity, focusing on remote asset tracking and monitoring. The ST series trackers, such as the ST-9100 dual-mode terminal, combine and cellular connectivity with integrated GPS for global location reporting, enabling reliable visibility in areas without terrestrial coverage. Similarly, the CT series devices, including the CT 1000 and CT 3500, offer cellular- hybrid capabilities for asset location via GPS, supporting low-power operations suitable for extended deployments in challenging environments. These solutions incorporate advanced features tailored for industries like and , where continuous monitoring is essential. Geofencing allows users to define virtual boundaries around assets, triggering alerts for unauthorized movements or entries to enhance and compliance. Exception-based reporting prioritizes data transmission only for significant events, such as deviations in or location, reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining operational oversight. Over-the-air (OTA) configuration enables remote updates and parameter adjustments without physical access, minimizing downtime for devices in the field. ORBCOMM's IoT platform utilizes proprietary satellite data protocols for efficient low-bandwidth communications over its (LEO) constellation, ensuring two-way messaging in remote areas. Integration with standard IoT protocols like supports seamless connectivity to broader ecosystems, allowing developers to publish and subscribe to device data for real-time analytics. A notable application is in oilfield monitoring, where ORBCOMM partners with providers like Numerica to deploy satellite-enabled IoT for 24/7 equipment health surveillance, including , flow, and metrics to prevent failures and optimize production. These deployments handle millions of messages daily, contributing to the platform's overall processing of over 37 billion messages annually across global operations. The platform demonstrates high scalability, supporting more than 2.4 million subscribers as of recent reports, with access enabling custom integrations for enterprise systems like or TMS. This architecture allows for flexible expansion from small fleets to large-scale networks, powered by the underlying LEO satellite backbone for ubiquitous coverage.

Satellite Communications

ORBCOMM's satellite communications rely on a store-and-forward that enables two-way packet-switched transmission via its (LEO) constellation. In this system, subscriber communicators (SCs) transmit short messages to orbiting , which store the until they come within range of a ground gateway for forwarding to the network control center. This approach supports global messaging without requiring continuous line-of-sight connections, with satellites performing handoffs of stored packets to the nearest available gateway as they traverse their orbital paths to ensure reliable delivery. The is optimized for low-power, intermittent transmissions from remote devices, prioritizing efficiency over real-time connectivity. The network achieves near-global coverage, spanning latitudes from approximately 70°N to 70°S, though service is limited in polar regions due to the constellation's orbital inclinations and fewer dedicated polar-orbiting satellites. This provides reliable access for most populated and industrial areas worldwide, excluding extreme high-latitude zones where satellite passes are infrequent. ORBCOMM's first-generation (OG1) and second-generation (OG2) satellites both operate in the VHF band, with uplinks from 148 to 150 MHz and downlinks from 137 to 138 MHz, enabling robust signal propagation over long distances suitable for low-data-rate IoT applications. These frequencies support between OG1 and OG2 satellites, allowing seamless integration across the constellation. Modulation employs symmetric differential (SDPSK), with uplink rates at 2,400 bps and downlink rates at 4,800 bps, using raised cosine filtering to minimize spectral occupancy and interference. Message latency typically ranges from seconds to minutes, depending on satellite visibility and network load; OG2 enhancements enable average delivery times under 15 seconds for small packets (e.g., 100 bytes), while store-and-forward operations in sparse coverage areas may extend to 1-15 minutes. Throughput is tailored for efficient, low-volume transmissions, supporting message sizes from under 100 bytes up to 6,400 bytes outbound and 10,000 bytes inbound on modern modems, with optimizations like dynamic frequency assignment to reduce power consumption in battery-operated devices. This setup ensures for machine-to-machine (M2M) data flows without overwhelming limited resources. Security is integrated through AES-256 capabilities on subscriber devices and encrypted packet transmission over the air, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive IoT . authentication protocols verify subscriber units before message exchange, mitigating risks of tampering or spoofing in the open satellite environment. These features comply with industry standards for secure remote communications, ensuring from endpoint to endpoint. Hybrid connectivity options allow dual-mode terminals to seamlessly transition between and terrestrial networks, such as LTE or , for enhanced performance in urban or coverage-overlap zones. This occurs automatically based on signal availability, enabling cost-effective use of high-bandwidth cellular links where possible while falling back to for remote reliability. Such integration supports broader IoT deployments without compromising global reach.

Maritime and Asset Tracking

ORBCOMM provides specialized maritime solutions for vessel tracking through -enabled terminals such as the ST 6100, which deliver real-time position, speed, and cargo data to support for boats and merchant marine operations. These terminals utilize ORBCOMM's global network to ensure connectivity in remote oceanic areas, enabling remote monitoring and control to optimize operations and enhance safety. Prior to its divestiture, ORBCOMM integrated Satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology to enable global ship monitoring, processing over 30 million AIS messages daily from more than 240,000 unique vessels for comprehensive maritime situational awareness. This capability supported applications like search and rescue, traffic analysis, and environmental compliance by combining satellite-collected AIS data with terrestrial sources via flexible APIs. In April 2025, ORBCOMM agreed to sell its AIS business to S&P Global, with the transaction completing on November 10, 2025, shifting focus to proprietary satellite IoT alternatives for vessel visibility. For , ORBCOMM offers solutions tailored to reels and containers, including the CT 3600 device for refrigerated units in logistics, which incorporates sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions in real time. These devices provide end-to-end visibility across supply chains, alerting operators to deviations like power failures or mechanical issues to minimize spoilage and ensure integrity during voyages. ORBCOMM's maritime tracking supports compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, particularly for vessel monitoring in remote areas under strategies like the 2023 IMO GHG Emissions Reduction plan, by enabling data-driven reporting on emissions and operational efficiency. Following the 2025 AIS sale, the company emphasizes non-AIS satellite solutions for continued regulatory adherence and route optimization, which can reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs through enhanced asset utilization and predictive insights.

Network Infrastructure

Ground Segment

ORBCOMM's ground segment comprises a network of gateway earth stations (GES) that facilitate the uplink and downlink of data to and from its low Earth orbit satellite constellation. These gateways, numbering 16 across 13 countries, employ large parabolic antennas to acquire and transmit signals in the VHF band, ensuring reliable global coverage for IoT messaging. Examples include stations in Arizona for Western Hemisphere operations and in Japan for Asia-Pacific support. The core control infrastructure centers on the Network Operations Center (NOC) located in , which oversees constellation management, including satellite health monitoring, orbit adjustments, and anomaly resolution. This facility operates 24/7, coordinating with gateway systems to maintain seamless data flow and resolve issues such as signal interference or outages in real time. To achieve high reliability, the ground segment features a distributed with built-in , including dual independent systems at each GES and mechanisms that automatically reroute across the network. This design delivers network availability of 99.9%. Following the 2015 acquisitions of Mobile Communications and InSync Software, ORBCOMM invested in ground segment upgrades to enhance processing capabilities for the second-generation (OG2) satellites, particularly to accommodate increased VHF . These enhancements streamlined and expanded bandwidth handling at gateways and the NOC. The supports substantial scale, processing more than 37 billion messages annually while incorporating modular expansions for future next-generation integrations. This capacity ensures robust performance for growing IoT demands without compromising latency or reliability.

Data Processing and Integration

ORBCOMM's backend platform, the ORBCOMM Platform, serves as a unified cloud-based system for real-time data ingestion from IoT devices via and cellular networks, secure storage of asset , and interactive visualization through customizable dashboards and reports. This consolidates from diverse sources, enabling users to monitor metrics such as , , and fuel levels in an intuitive interface with role-based access controls. Fed by received through ground gateways, the platform processes this information to deliver operational visibility across global fleets. The platform incorporates advanced analytics tools that leverage AI-driven algorithms for in equipment performance and forecasting, analyzing historical and real-time data to anticipate failures and optimize asset uptime. For instance, models applied to data help identify patterns in usage, reducing unplanned downtime by prioritizing interventions based on predictive insights. These capabilities transform raw into actionable intelligence, supporting data-driven decisions in industrial IoT applications. Integration is facilitated through flexible RESTful APIs that connect seamlessly with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, including examples like SAP, to automate custom workflows such as automated reporting and alert notifications. These APIs enable the export of enriched asset data to third-party systems, ensuring compatibility with existing enterprise architectures without disrupting operations. Data handling adheres to stringent security and compliance standards, including full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for protecting , utilizing technical measures like and access controls to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. International data transfers are managed via Standard Contractual Clauses and certifications under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, ensuring regulatory alignment for global users. The platform's scalability supports operations ranging from small fleets of 10 assets to large-scale deployments exceeding 10,000, efficiently managing high volumes of IoT data through infrastructure optimized for the ecosystem. Additionally, integration of capabilities allows for low-latency processing at the device level, enabling real-time decisions in remote or bandwidth-constrained environments without relying solely on central resources.

Military and Government Applications

Key Contracts

ORBCOMM has secured significant contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense for and monitoring solutions. In 2020, the company won a single-award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract valued at up to $45.6 million with the U.S. Army for the Next Generation Tag program, providing cellular, , and dual-mode devices for tracking and monitoring through 2024. In 2013, ORBCOMM supplied IoT technologies for support to U.S. and forces, including a shipment monitoring deployed in to secure mission-critical supplies against theft and disruptions. A 2023 U.S. Army contract to ORBCOMM was valued at $14,859.60 for cellular Next Generation Tag equipment. International agreements include a 2017 multi-year contract with the Canadian government through partner Maerospace for communications, and a 2019 extension of an contract with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. These agreements adhere to ITAR export controls to facilitate secure international collaborations and incorporate MIL-STD-810G certifications, ensuring ruggedized solutions withstand extreme military conditions like vibration, shock, and environmental hazards.

Specialized Use Cases

ORBCOMM's satellite-based IoT technology supports in remote or contested environments. The system integrates GPS for location accuracy of approximately 2 meters CEP. This capability, enabled by Department of Defense agreements such as the 2020 U.S. contract for integrated tracking, allows forces to maintain connectivity via dual-mode and cellular networks. In disaster response scenarios, ORBCOMM deployments facilitate communications for organizations by ensuring connectivity when terrestrial networks fail, as seen in support for emergency teams during natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. The technology aids in tracking relief supplies and issuing early warnings, enhancing coordination for agencies similar to FEMA and the UN in post-event recovery. For border security, ORBCOMM's sensor networks enable unmanned along perimeters through continuous asset monitoring and data relay from remote devices, contributing to for agencies. Under a U.S. contract awarded in 2022, ORBCOMM's data supports Department of Defense platforms for threat detection and environmental protection near borders. These applications have demonstrated secure communications with low probability of detection, improving operational flexibility in U.S.-ally exercises.

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