SpaceX launches Orbcomm OG2 satellites

摘要

SpaceX launched 11 of Orbcomm's ship-tracking communications satellites into orbit at the end of last year on a Falcon 9 rocket that was then successfully returned to Earth. The launch meant that Orbcomm has completed its second generation constellation of communications satellites for ship tracking and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. The11 OG2 satellites will enable faster vessel tracking using the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Orbcomm said the satellites will undergo extensive in-orbit testing to verify that all subsystems are functioning properly. They are expected to provide full M2M messaging and AIS services from the end of February this year.