Independent satellite recovery and real-time diagnostics unit with Iridium inter-satellite communication, available in 4 sizes from 0.25U to XL.
Beacon — Satellite Recovery & Diagnostics
Independent satellite recovery and real-time diagnostics unit with Iridium inter-satellite communication, available in 4 sizes from 0.25U to XL.
Description
The ANT61 Beacon is an independent survival and diagnostics module for satellites, providing continuous two-way communication via the Iridium constellation independent of the satellite's main bus. It acts as an autonomous backup communication system that continues operating even when the primary satellite bus fails.
The Beacon collects and transmits comprehensive telemetry including power, thermal, attitude, and system health data. It features autonomous anomaly detection that can identify and report anomalies without ground station intervention. Independent battery reserves sustain up to one week of operation during satellite power loss.
The Beacon has been in-orbit validated (February 2024). All communication is secured with end-to-end FIPS-140-2 and AES-256 (ASC22FO) encryption.
Available in four sizes:
- **Beacon Small** (0.25U, 375 g): 2.2 MB/day, 12-week lead time
- **Beacon Medium** (50×100×100 mm, 700 g): 22 MB/day, 16-week lead time
- **Beacon Large** (50×100×200 mm, 1000–1500 g): 216–756 MB/day, 20-week lead time
- **Beacon XL** (50×150×200 mm, 1500–2100 g): 3.24–6.48 GB/day, 20-week lead time
Specifications
| Communication Link | Iridium constellation (inter-satellite) |
|---|---|
| Communication Mode | Continuous 2-way independent |
| Interfaces | USART (double-redundant), CAN-FD (up to 5 Mbit/s), SPI, I2C |
| Connector Standard | PC/104 |
| Encryption | End-to-end FIPS-140-2 and ASC22FO (AES-256) |
| Power Reserve | Up to 1 week independent battery |
| In-Orbit Heritage | Validated February 2024 |
| Beacon Small — Form Factor | 0.25U |
| Beacon Small — Mass | 375 g |
| Beacon Small — Data (per 24h) | 2.2 MB |
| Beacon Small — Lead Time | 12 weeks |
| Beacon Medium — Form Factor | 50×100×100 mm |
| Beacon Medium — Mass | 700 g |
| Beacon Medium — Data (per 24h) | 22 MB |
| Beacon Medium — Lead Time | 16 weeks |
| Beacon Large — Form Factor | 50×100×200 mm |
| Beacon Large — Mass | 1000–1500 g |
| Beacon Large — Data (per 24h) | 216–756 MB |
| Beacon Large — Lead Time | 20 weeks |
| Beacon XL — Form Factor | 50×150×200 mm |
| Beacon XL — Mass | 1500–2100 g |
| Beacon XL — Data (per 24h) | 3.24–6.48 GB |
| Beacon XL — Lead Time | 20 weeks |