Orbcomm is trying to make itself one of the go-to companies in the world when it comes to machine-to-machine technology. In order to accomplish that goal, the firm has acquired a number of different companies and technologies, as well as developing its own solutions that have moved it to the top of the list when it comes to these firms. Orbcomm has worked most often with satellite messaging services. The company issued a recent release which stated that several relatively low hype acquisitions have managed to help the company move forward.
One of those new contracts was with heavy equipment manufacturer Doosan in South Korea. That contract especially is being pointed to by the company as one that has allowed it to expand its reach and new specialties. The company announced at the same time that it would be launching as many as eight different second-generation satellites that are all outfitted with top of the line M2M technologies.
Unfortunately for Orbcomm, it seems likely that the launch of those M2M units won’t be done until sometime in early 2014. Orbcomm is working closely with SpaceX (News - Alert) for this particular launch and because of some difficulties, this is hardly the first time that the launch has been bumped back several months. The M2M devices are expected to be aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This particular vessel is slated to have its first launch this September.
Once these second generation satellites do get into orbit, they will bring the speed and reliability of Orbcomm’s M2M services up a notch. These new satellites will also bring Automatic Identification System (AIS) terminals that will be able to deliver coast to coast information to ships. The company currently has just two AIS equipped satellites in orbit, so obviously they will be making some serious upgrades with this new fleet.