Arizona-based Phantom Space is to build and launch 72 satellites for IoT technology firm Ingenu.

Phantom Space is a space transportation technology development and manufacturing company. The agreement with California-based Ingenu includes the production, manufacturing and launch of a 72-satellite constellation (AFNIO) that Ingenu will use to host its RPMA IIoT payloads.

This will allow Ingenu to offer full end-to-end services anywhere on Earth. AFNIO will focus initially on end-to-end connectivity for smart grids, smart factories, smart agriculture, smart cities, oil and gas, mining, asset tracking, and logistics. Phantom will be responsible for developing the spacecraft buses, system integration and launch of all 72 spacecraft. Most of the satellites are expected to launch on Phantom’s Daytona launch vehicle set to first launch in 2023.

Ingenu developed and owns a long-range LPWAN for the IoT. Using its random phase multiple access (RPMA) technology, it has been deployed in more than 50 terrestrial networks over the past ten years, on five continents. Ingenu will bring its technology and expertise to develop what it hopes will be the world’s largest space IIoT network dedicated to connectivity for machines.

Operating on universal unlicensed spectrum, the RPMA technology is a proven standard for connecting IIoT and M2M sensors around the world and this project will give RPMA enabled end point sensors the ability to communicate directly with the satellites, also known as the low power-satellite to sensor (LP-S2S), anywhere in the world.

“Ingenu prides itself on turning disruptive innovation into practical application, and we’re excited to help them achieve this,” said Jim Cantrell, CEO of Phantom Space. “We build satellites, launchers, and implement space technology applications because we want to lower the barriers to new commercial applications in space. By working with a company like Ingenu, we are partnering to deliver Ingenu’s value into a space platform where it can have a worldwide impact on their customers. This partnership brings both of us closer to our goal of providing the much-needed disruptive benefits of space technology directly to the consumer.”

Ingenu’s AFNIO network will act as a space-based public network designed exclusively for M2M communications. It is designed and optimised for deeper and wider coverage, network longevity, and full-featured value. The AFNIO satellite constellation will, says the company, have further reach, global range and longer lasting battery life than any existing network. Its robust technology is also future-proof, helping technology providers increase their product’s efficiency and longevity, with control and visibility.

Furthermore, it was designed from the ground up to meet the 100% data transmission acknowledgment required for each sensor, necessary for serious IIoT machine connectivity.

“We are excited to partner with Phantom because their cutting-edge technology and manufacturing methods enable us to move full steam ahead on this front in a rapid and cost-effective manner,” said Alvaro Gazzolo, CEO of Ingenu. “We’ll be able to build and operate a system of satellites that makes it possible for us to offer people full end-to-end solutions anywhere on earth and complement existing customers’ terrestrial networks. Nothing of the sort has ever been done up until now. The AFNIO satellite constellation will be complemented by the new RPMA communications module, a system on chip, which will cut in half the cost of the legacy RPMA communications module. This will allow Ingenu and its partners to concentrate on solutions with minimal capital investment to customers and provide faster time to market, anywhere in the world.”

Phantom Space is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, with multiple launch operations centres. It was founded by Jim Cantrell, Mike D’Angelo and Michal Prywata.