Orbit One Launches Satellite-Based RFID Service

The tag is programmed to activate several times per day (it can also be activated to transmit data based on specific events captured via sensors) and send its GPS-determined location information (latitude and longitude) and unique ID number to the nearest LEO satellite. The tag can be quickly turned off using a magnet on top of it, assuming the tag is configured to support the on/off function. "It can also be configured to ignore the magnet," Naden says, "in which case, one would need to connect to the USB port with a PC or field tool to send a command to disable the device. To change the operational parameters, you must similarly connect to the USB port to effect the change."

LEO satellites circle the earth at an altitude of about 500 to 1,000 miles, versus an altitude of about 25,000 miles for a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite. There are three commercial LEO constellations, each containing about 30 to 70 satellites. Orbit One is leasing bandwidth from voice and data satellite service provider GlobalStar, which operates a constellation of 50 LEO satellites.

An SX1 tag communicates its information to GlobalStar's satellite system, which then delivers the data to servers in Orbit One's Denver and Salt Lake City data centers. Orbit One, Naden explains, opted to have two data centers to create a fail-over option in the event that one was unable to operate. From there, the data can be pushed to a customer's network, or customers can utilize Orbit One's optional secure Web portal to access the data.

Available now, the SX1 tag ranges in price from $250 to $350, depending on volume, plus a monthly service fee ranging from $5 to $20 per tag, depending on usage. Each tag comes with a three-year warranty. Orbit One is targeting the U.S. Department of Defense and other organizations and companies with global supply chains, and is developing a temperature sensor to offer its customers. The SX1 tag, through its USB port, can be connected to sensors already available on the market.

"We are working with several companies developing custom sensors and custom OEM applications that integrate the SX1 Engine into the product," Naden says. "These customers have yet to introduce a product, so it is premature to spill their story."

Several other companies offer similar active RFID tags and services that work in conjunction with satellites. These include AeroAstro, which markets its LEO-based Sensor Enabled Notification System (SENS) Data Service to companies and organizations that need to track trucks, trailers, containers and other valuable assets (see Low-Cost Satellite Tracking Offered).