The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the way companies monitor assets, automate processes, and make data-driven decisions. However, much of this technological revolution faces a structural problem: connectivity.
This is where low Earth orbit satellite IoT, or LEO (Low Earth Orbit), comes into play—a technology designed to connect IoT devices from space using constellations of small satellites capable of offering global coverage with low latency and lower energy consumption. Unlike traditional GEO satellite models, LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth, improving transmission speed and enabling more efficient communications for sensors and low-power devices.
The invisible infrastructure
The operation of LEO satellite IoT relies on a combination of technologies designed to maximize coverage, energy efficiency, and scalability. Alongside satellite constellations are LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies, specifically designed for low-energy IoT devices. Specialized studies by Cornell University on LPWAN indicate that this type of network allows devices to remain connected for long periods using very low-power batteries—something essential in distributed industrial deployments.
In addition, LEO architectures enable much more flexible network expansion. The combination of miniaturized satellites, low-power IoT devices, and direct satellite-to-device communications is creating an infrastructure that is virtually invisible to the end user, yet capable of connecting millions of assets on a global scale.
How is the industrial connectivity landscape changing?
Satellite IoT connectivity not only expands geographical coverage, but is also changing the way companies manage infrastructure, monitor operations, and use data to optimize processes.
Monitoring of critical infrastructure and energy
One of the areas where LEO satellite IoT is having the greatest impact is in the monitoring of critical infrastructure and energy networks. Solar farms, wind installations, electrical substations, or linear infrastructure are often located in areas where mobile coverage is limited or nonexistent. Thanks to SatIoT constellations, companies can deploy sensors capable of transmitting information on energy consumption, temperature, pressure, or the operational status of equipment from virtually any location.
The ability to keep these assets connected makes it possible to detect incidents early and reduce downtime through predictive maintenance. In addition, various studies on LEO connectivity highlight that these types of networks provide resilient coverage even in complex environments or where terrestrial infrastructure is insufficient.
Global maritime logistics and transport
International logistics increasingly depend on the ability to monitor goods and assets actively. However, much of supply chains pass through regions without stable terrestrial coverage, especially on maritime routes or in remote areas.
LEO satellite IoT makes it possible to keep containers, vehicles, vessels, and mobile assets connected throughout the entire journey, regardless of their geographical location. This improves traceability and enables much more precise management of global logistics operations.
Satellite communications also make it possible to monitor variables such as temperature, humidity, or vibrations during transport—something especially relevant in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, or specialized industrial transport. In addition, the LPWAN networks used in SatIoT solutions offer very low energy consumption, allowing autonomous devices to be deployed for long periods without frequent maintenance.
Precision agriculture in remote areas
Precision agriculture is another sector where satellite IoT is transforming operational management.
Many agricultural operations are still located in regions with limited communication infrastructure. Thanks to SatIoT networks, producers can install sensors capable of measuring soil moisture, temperature, irrigation levels, or weather conditions actively.
This makes it possible to optimize resources such as water, fertilizers, or energy, reducing costs and improving production efficiency. In addition, the combination of LPWAN and LEO satellites makes it possible to keep devices running for years with minimal energy consumption. Global connectivity also enables more centralized management of geographically distributed operations, something especially important in large-scale agricultural projects or in regions far from urban centers.
The role of FOSSA Systems in the new space era
Within the new European space connectivity ecosystem, FOSSA Systems has established itself as one of the companies specialized in SatIoT solutions based on LEO constellations and LPWAN technologies. FOSSA’s goal is to offer secure, accessible, and reliable IoT communications from low Earth orbit for assets deployed in remote locations.
The evolution of LEO satellite IoT is redefining the global connectivity landscape. And in a context where the ability to obtain data from anywhere has become a strategic asset, technologies like those developed by our team are helping to build a much more connected, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure.