Artist’s rendition of the first 6 OG2 satellites. Photo: SNC

[Via Satellite 03-01-2016] Orbcomm has initiated commercial service on the final 11 satellites in the company’s second-generation (OG2) constellation. The satellites are now processing more than 60 percent of the company’s Machine-to-Machine (M2M) traffic, and along with the OG1 and previously launched OG2 satellites, are collecting more than 18 million Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages from approximately 150,000 unique vessels per day.

Orbcomm launched the first six OG2 satellites in July 2014 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The second OG2 mission, also with a SpaceX Falcon 9, occurred on Dec. 21, 2015. In between the two launches, Orbcomm reported the loss of one OG2 satellite in the initial six. All OG2 satellites are fully backwards compatible with the existing OG1 satellites.

For the 11 new additions, Orbcomm spaced them within three separate drift orbit planes, where they will continue drifting until all are in proper phase. Initial testing verified proper satellite bus functionality, including antenna and solar array deployments, power systems, attitude control, propulsion and flight software. Subsequent testing focused on communications and network system performance. All of these tests were successfully completed well ahead of schedule, allowing for commercial service to begin earlier than expected.

“The satellites are operating extremely well, and we have already received positive feedback from our customers around the world, who are experiencing significantly improved service and faster message delivery,” said John Stolte, executive vice president of technology and operations at Orbcomm.