SpaceBEE 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

SpaceBEE 5 [Swarm Technologies]

The four SpaceBEE, formerly known as BEEs (Basic Electronic Elements), picosatellites, built to the 1U CubeSat form factor are to demonstrate two-way satellite communications and data relay for Swarm Technologies Inc. as a follow on to the first four smaller SpaceBEE 1 to 4 satellites.

The mission is to test the world’s smallest two-way communications satellites to serve as a cost-effective low-data rate Internet of Things (IoT) network connectivity solution for remote and mobile sensors. The initial experimental space deployment is comprised of four satellites, each with a 1U form factor employing radar signature enhancement technology, which enables them to be passively tracked, and using VHF band frequencies for communications. There will also be an experimental deployment of ground stations for communications with the space units.

The mission is to demonstrate the capabilities of these picosatellites for serving low data rate communication relays for remote sensors and data collectors. Experimental operations is scheduled to begin upon launch for a period of at least 6 months and up to 2 years.

For the second batch of satellites, the 1U form factor was chosen to increase the radar cross section over the original 1/4U satellites for enhanced tracking. The network of satellites is comprised of Basic Electronic Elements (“BEEs”) which are 1U form factor satellites, made out of an aluminum frame, PCBs, a single 12.5 Whr battery and solar panels for recharge. The satellites include radar return enhancement technology as a test for enhanced radar signatures (much larger than a typical 1U would experience). Also they feature a GPS device in each satellite that would broadcast its position on request. On four faces of the satellites are covered with an experimental passive radar reflector developed by the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, which according to the FCC application would increase the satellites radar profile by a factor of 10.

The four satellites were planned to be launched on the third Electron rocket, but the future of these satellites remained in limbo for a while after the FCC denied a licence after the issues with the first four SpaceBEE satllites, which were apparently launched without a valid licence. After a FFC licence was granted, three of the satellites, SpaceBEE 5, 6 and 7, were launched on Spaceflight Industry's SSO-A multi-satellite launch on a Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) rocket.

Two more satellites, SpaceBEE 8 and 9, were launched in 2019 on an Electron rocket into a 45° orbit. The satellites weigh 0.4 kg and 0.7 kg respectively.

The operational 2nd generation SpaceBEE satellites reverted back to the 0.25U form factor.