Swarm of tiny satellites could relay messages by year’s end

US based Swarm Technologies that was established in 2017 has been very busy as it has already built, launched and operated 9 miniature satellites besides successfully raising above $28 million for building a constellation of 150 space-crafts. It has also managed to make business agreements with 200 potential customers.  Swarm’s biggest achievement in the last couple of years was its ability to rebuild its relationship with Federal Communications Commission of US (FCC) and ability to close in on a license to offer communication services within the country.  Swarm ran into rough weather with the FCC, when it launched four small SpaceBee satellites without tacit approval of the agency and was fined a whooping amount of $900,000. Though the firm’s executive body has not given any clarification about the fine they have now hired Kalpak Gude, satellite regulatory expert. They also worked on developing technology so that ground based radars can see their SpaceBees easily.

Their launch license had been denied by FCC earlier in 2018 due to inability to view their SpaceBees satellites which were too small. But now cofounders of Swarm, Sara Sangelo and Ben Longmier are optimistic that FCC approval will be granted for their next range of nanogeosynchronous satellites. They have filed for a new license under Part 25 of Code of Federal Regulations Title 47 which if granted will help them to offer services to 1 million devices across US, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands US and all other land and water based territories of United States. Once Swarm receives authorization to offer services within United States for space segment and ground stations it will start commercial operations probably by end of this year. Swarm’s man gola is to extend communications network across the world for which they have to get approval country-wise as with 150 satellites it can support around 10 million devices said Swarm.