Lynk 04 (ULTP, Lynk The World)

Lynk 04 (ULTP) [UbiquiLink]

Lynk 04, also known as ULTP (UbiquitiLink Test Payload) or Lynk The World is an experimental communications satellite built by UbiquitiLink, now known as Lynk Global Inc., to test communications with standard mobile phones.

Lynk is building a network of small satellites to provide affordable cellular coverage to unmodified cellular devices, enabling messaging, data, IoT, and emergency communications everywhere on the planet. These spacecraft have enabled Lynk to conduct the world’s first orbiting cell tower demonstrations for a space-based cellular network. In a very short period, the test program has already successfully demonstrated critical functionalities needed for satellite-to-phone messaging initially using GSM technology.

This satellite is Lynk's 4th payload to be tested in orbit and is the first free flyer. Earlier UbiquitiLink payloads were flown attached to Cygnus cargo vehicles.

The satellite was launched in March 2020 towards the ISS. There it was mounted with its Slingshot deployer on the Cygnus NG-13 cargo vehicle. It was deployed on 13 May 2020 from Cygnus NG-13.