WISeKey International Holding has unveiled an expansion of its WISeSat.Space strategy for 2024. WISeSat.Space is a subsidiary of WISeKey, influencing IoT connectivity with a cost-effective and secure solution, using picosatellites and low-power sensors to provide improved IoT connectivity across the globe.
The expansion includes the scheduled launch of new satellites in the fourth quarter of 2024, alongside the introduction of the technology aboard its latest generation of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This initiative is designed to meet the extensive IoT deployment needs across various sectors, including smart farming, energy and logistics, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission anywhere on Earth.
To date, seventeen satellites equipped with WISeSat technology have been launched into orbit aboard SpaceX rockets, marking the initial phase of a plan to deploy an 80-satellite constellation. The network aspires to provide comprehensive global IoT connectivity with a data latency goal of 10 hours.
In anticipation of the emerging quantum computing era, WISeSat.Space is proactively enhancing its security measures. The company is pioneering the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic solutions and devices provided by SEALSQ, WISeKey’s semiconductor subsidiary.
Geostationary (GEO) satellites have long provided Internet access to remote regions, with a few satellites covering the globe due to their large size and stationary position relative to Earth. Despite their global reach and simple ground antenna setup, GEO satellites suffer from high latency, over 600 milliseconds, making them unsuitable for modern applications like real-time video, gaming and virtual reality due to the long distance (36,000 km) signals must travel to and from Earth.
In contrast, LEO satellites offer low-latency, high-speed Internet connections as they orbit closer to Earth (160 to 2000 km). However, their fast movement means they can’t stay over one spot, requiring a large constellation of satellites and tracking antennas for continuous coverage. After earlier failures in the 1990s, advancements in technology and commercial launch systems have now made it feasible and more cost-effective to deploy LEO satellite constellations, with many companies and governments pursuing this approach for global Internet access.
The use of WISeSat.Space operations employing low earth orbit satellites present a potential across a wide range of sectors beyond the initial applications in smart farming, energy, logistics, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). By using the lower latency and the potential for higher-speed Internet connections provided by WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites, as compared to GEO satellites, numerous sectors stand to benefit.
Sectors to benefit from WISESAT.SPACE LEO expansion includes:
Environmental monitoring and climate change
WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites can be instrumental in monitoring climate change by providing data on atmospheric conditions, sea level rise, ice sheet melting rates and deforestation. This real-time data is important for predicting weather patterns, tracking natural disasters, and implementing early warning systems for floods, hurricanes and wildfires, thereby aiding in disaster preparedness and response.
Maritime and aeronautical applications
For maritime and aeronautical sectors, WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites offer improved navigation, communication and tracking of vessels and aircraft over vast and remote areas like oceans and polar regions. Enhanced Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking, coupled with real-time weather and oceanographic data, can significantly improve maritime safety and efficiency. Similarly, in aviation, better communication and tracking can enhance route planning, safety, and search and rescue operations.
Defence and national security
The defence sector can use WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites for secure communication, reconnaissance, surveillance and remote sensing over global hotspots. Real-time satellite imagery and data can support tactical operations, border security and monitoring of strategic assets.
Healthcare and telemedicine
WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites can bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved regions, facilitating telemedicine services. This can revolutionise healthcare delivery, enabling remote diagnostics, patient monitoring and access to specialist consultations, thereby improving health outcomes in rural and isolated communities.
Education
Access to reliable and fast internet is a cornerstone for modern education. WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites can provide connectivity to remote and rural schools, supporting digital learning platforms, virtual classrooms and access to a vast array of online educational resources, thus democratising education.
Banking and financial services
The financial sector, including banking, trading and other services, can benefit from the low-latency network provided by WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites. This is important for high-frequency trading where milliseconds matter, rural banking, mobile payment systems and financial inclusion initiatives in remote areas.
Media and entertainment
For media and entertainment, WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites enable live broadcasting, streaming of high-definition content and new forms of interactive entertainment even in remote locations. This can enhance the viewer experience for global events, remote sports broadcasting and provide universal access to entertainment and information.
Scientific research and space exploration
WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites support scientific research in areas like astrophysics, earth sciences and environmental monitoring. They also play a role in space exploration, acting as relay stations for deep space missions, enhancing communication and data transfer between Earth and spacecraft or space stations.
Tourism and adventure
With the advent of space tourism, WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites could provide communication and safety support for commercial space flights, space hotels and other off-world adventures. Additionally, they can enhance experiences for adventure tourism on Earth by offering navigation, safety tracking and communication in remote regions.
Urban and smart cities
In the context of urban development, WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites can support smart city initiatives by providing real-time data for traffic management, public safety, environmental monitoring and infrastructure management, ensuring efficient and sustainable urban living.
By harnessing the capabilities of WISESAT.SPACE LEO satellites through WISeSat.Space operations, these sectors can achieve high levels of efficiency, accessibility and global reach, paving the way for innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
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