FAQs

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How much does a picosatellite cost?

Our vertically integrated platform, including launch, costs 100k to 120k€ depending on the final configuration. In addition to the platform, this cost also includes, integration, launch, LEOP and initial training for operations if the customer will be operating the satellite himself. (Our quote calculator is available to estimate the cost according to your application, https://fossa.systems/satellites/).

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At what altitude are these satellites placed?

Our platforms typically orbit at altitudes between 450 and 550km in sun synchronous low earth orbits, we routinely schedule quarterly launches through SpaceX Rideshare missions. Other orbits are possible on demand depending on mission requirements.

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Which is the estimated orbital life of our picosatellites?

The FOSSASAT-2E platform has an estimated orbital life of 2 – 3 years in orbit, after which it deorbits and leaves no space debris. This could theoretically be extended by using propulsion, something we are investigation and will soon offer.

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Who controls these satellites?

.All satellites have autonomous decision capabilities but are fundamentally controlled from the ground following a schedule of operations, which can be programmed with our cloud based remote operations software. FOSSA Systems can operate your constellation or train you for in-house operations.

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What payloads do these satellites carry?

FOSSA Systems is specialized in providing secure and dedicated IoT connectivity using LoRa gateways as a payload on these satellites. Additionally, remote sensing and earth observation payloads are also available (eg: hyperspectral monitoring). The customer can however also fly his own payload.

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Has our technology worked in orbit?

Yes, since 2019, when we launched our first picosatellite and successfully operated it in space, the FOSSASat-1.

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Which is our average time from signature to launch/beginning of operations?

Only 9 Months, starting with the contract signature and mission definition.

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What If the satellite fails or the launch fails?

We have a refund policy. Optional insurance can be contracted for the launch; however, our primary launcher (Falcon 9) has a success rate of over 98%.

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What is our LoRa capacity and packet size?

Each FOSSA Satellite has capacity for an estimated 500,000 packets per day. This number will be very dependent on correct distribution and timing from each node. Each Packet is transmitted from a node at a data rate of 300bps with a maximum size of 150 bytes. More satellites or the use of FOSSA-XL concentrators will drastically increase the capacity of the network.

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In which frequencies do we work in?

We support all ISM band Frequencies: 915MHz, 868MHz, 433MHz and integrate with existing LoRa ISM devices.

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How many satellites do you need to have global coverage?

Global coverage is provided by a single satellite. The revisit time of a single satellite is approximately 24 hours, so, depending on the latency of the information required, your application will need more or fewer satellites. A constellation of 60 satellites provides a revisit time of 5 minutes.

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How do you connect your picosatellites? Can you use your own nodes?

Ground sensors collect data and send it to a picosatellite when visible. Data is periodically downlinked via our ground stations to the cloud, where it can be accessed through an online dashboard or an integrated API.

FOSSA Systems offers an ecosystem of satellite-connected sensors and concentrator nodes for deployment in agrotech, logistics, energy, and other industries.

We can provide you with our nodes or, if you already have yours developed, you can connect them to the picosatellite.

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What do I need to connect with a picosatellite?

The use of LoRa allows under 25mW of transmission power at the node for two-way communication. A basic directional antenna pointed at the sky such as a trifilar antenna is enough to establish a link. Existing LoRa sensors can connect to our satellite with minor antenna and firmware modifications, reducing deployment costs.

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Do you need a license to put my satellite in orbit? How can you process it?

Yes, to launch any type of satellite into space, you need to obtain certain licenses and usually file an API with the ITU. Depending on the country where you want to launch, you must comply with one regulation or another.

Our vertically integrated service includes licensing, but if you develop your own platform and do not have knowledge or experience in how to carry out these procedures, FOSSA Systems can assist in licensing.

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Can we launch your own satellites?

Yes! If you only need to launch your PocketQube platform into orbit, we will take care of everything including testing and assistance in licensing. Thanks to our partnerships with specialized launch companies, we have global and short-term coverage of LEO launches.

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.Which is the price for the operation of our picosatellites?

The ongoing costs to run each satellite (if carried out by FOSSA Systems) are determined by the level of control automation used, number of ground stations necessary and number of ground operators. If you want to know more about our operation prices, send us your requirement to contact@fossa.systems

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Do you need a ground station to operate the picosatellite?

We understand that working and operating with satellites is something that few people know about. If it is not your expertise, FOSSA Systems offers you a monthly satellite operation service using our shared ground station network.

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What if you want to operate your picosatellite?

If you want to operate your satellites and you do not have the knowledge to do so, we can provide training for it in your company. FOSSA Systems is also specialized in installing ground stations for dedicated services.

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How can you get in contact with FOSSA Systems?

If you have any doubts or want to start planning with us your project, you can send us an email to contact@fossa.systems, or fill in the form here.