MACSAT (Finch 1)

MACSAT [NanoAvionics]

MACSAT is an on-orbit pathfinder mission aimed at demonstrating advanced 5G IoT services. It will be able to process a high number of 5G enabled devices via strategic satellite frequencies that are common with terrestrial mobile from Low Earth orbit (LEO). It is a smallsat mission led by OQ Technology as the prime contractor and funded by the Luxembourg Government through an ESA contract in the Luxembourg National Space programme (LuxIMPULSE).

It will be used to test advanced 5G IoT algorithms, and also pavinges the way for qualifying existing 5G NB (narrowband)-IoT chips for commercial via-satellite deployment. It will also be part of OQ Technology’s constellation to offer commercial connectivity services.

The 6U CubeSat nanosatellite was built by Lithuanian mission integrator and smallsat manufacturer NanoAvionics, who also handles launch brokering and logistics. The payload was developed by OQ Technology. The 5G IoT operator is also responsible for overall management, satellite procurement, and operations of the mission.