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Orbcomm [OSC]

Orbcomm is a commercial global wireless data and messaging system. The Orbcomm System uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide cost-effective tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities to and from anywhere in the world. Similar to two-way paging or e-mail, the system is capable of sending and receiving two-way alphanumeric packets of data. These short, economical messages increase the efficiency of remote operations by making critical information readily available, often from areas beyond the geographic and economic reach of traditional systems.

The Orbcomm constellation consists of up to 36 small communications satellites in orbit 825 kilometers above the Earth. The satellites act as “orbiting packet routers” built to “grab” small data packets from ground sensors or communicators and relay them through a ground station.

Orbcomm satellites have also been used for relaying messages from orbit to the ground from Rubin test satellites.