Plan-S has successfully launched four Connecta IoT satellites aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in Transporter 11 mission. These satellites, designed to deliver commercial IoT connectivity services, mark the company's transition from testing to full-scale operational capability.
Plan-S, established in July 2021 in Ankara, is at the forefront of satellite and space technology in Türkiye. The launch of these four satellites is the first step in deploying the Connecta IoT Network constellation, which aims to revolutionize IoT connectivity services globally. The satellites were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the Plan-S team has received the first telemetries just after a couple of minutes after the deployment, initiating the commissioning process of the four satellites.
Commercial Services Ready to Launch!
Sami Aslanhan, Chairman of Plan-S, emphasized the significance of this milestone. "The five test satellites we've launched were crucial for developing our satellite subsystems and building our flight heritage. Since our first satellite launch in 2022, we've gained invaluable experience. Now, with these four Connecta IoT satellites in orbit, we're ready to offer our commercial services," Aslanhan stated. He added that the company plans to scale its constellation rapidly, with over 200 satellites expected to be deployed in the near future. "We’ve secured most of our launch contracts for 2025, 2026, and 2027, and following these four satellites, we plan to launch four more in October, followed by additional launches of eight and then sixteen satellites."
Global Connectivity on the Horizon
Plan-S’ CEO Tugay Güzel highlighted the global impact of the Connecta IoT satellites, which are set to provide low power consumption, cost-effective & highcapacity connectivity for IoT devices worldwide. "Our goal is to address the data needs in areas where terrestrial networks are unserved, underserved or expensive to many use-cases thereby creating a more efficient IoT ecosystem.
Expanding to Earth Observation
In addition to the ongoing work on the Connecta IoT satellites, Güzel revealed that Plan-S is also advancing its efforts in Earth Observation. "We’re continuing to develop satellites that will not only facilitate IoT device communication but also provide Earth Observation services. In 2025, we plan to launch an Earth Observation satellite as part of our Observa team, which will significantly enhance our capabilities in this area," Güzel announced.
Transforming Industries Worldwide
The Connecta IoT Network is poised to solve critical connectivity issues across various sectors by enabling seamless connectivity between IoT devices and satellites. These satellites will ensure continuous coverage for monitoring and data transmission for millions of devices, impacting industries such as energy, agriculture, logistics, finance, and transportation. Güzel described this development as a revolutionary step that will drive significant advancements globally.
First Telemetry Received!
Following the launch, the Plan-S team successfully received the first telemetry within minutes after deployment from the satellites, just as they did with the previous five test satellites. The commissioning process is now underway, marking the beginning of a new era in commercial satellite IoT services.
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