Ground Segment

The ground segment consists of gateways strategically located throughout the world. The role of each gateway is to provide access to the space segment and to interface with public and private data networks including the Internet. The major elements of the ground and control segment include:

  • a Gateway Earth Station (GES), which consists of two radomes, with
    enclosed VHF tracking antennas, one of which is largely redundant, and
    associated pedestals, controllers and radio equipment, an uninterruptible
    power source and a back-up power generator

  • an associated Gateway Control Center (GCC), which processes the data and
    provides the interconnection to the terrestrial communications networks

  • a Network Control Center (NCC), which manages the gateway elements and
    monitors and controls the satellites

Gateway Control Center (GCC)

The GCC provides switching capabilities to link mobile Subscriber Communicators (SCs) with terrestrial-based customer systems. Interfaces to the GCC enable reliable, efficient and cost effective integration of the ORBCOMM system into existing or new customer information systems. A GCC controls one or more GES located within a licensed region, with multiple GCC deployed worldwide.

  • Interfaces to the GCC include both SMTP and web-based access via leased line, dial-up modem, public or private data networks or the Internet.
  • Monitors performance of regional GES.
  • Monitors the status of the ORBCOMM message switch and related software.
  • GCCs are located in Brazil, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and the United States.

Network Control Center (NCC)

The NCC is located in Dulles, VA. In addition to serving as the U.S. GCC, it is responsible for managing the constellation of ORBCOMM satellites. The NCC is staffed seven days a week, 24 hours a day by ORBCOMM certified controllers.

  • Provides tools for the command, control, and analysis of the ORBCOMM satellites.
  • Monitors the performance of ORBCOMM satellites.

Gateway Earth Station (GES)

The GESs link the ground segment with the ORBCOMM satellites. They are located in multiple locations worldwide and provide the following functions:

  • Tracks and establishes two way communication with the ORBCOMM satellites.
  • Relay messages and telemetry between the satellites and the GCC.
  • Monitor the status of local GES hardware.
  • Contains two high gain VHF antenna systems, which function independently providing additional throughput and redundancy.

Gateway Earth Station Locations

   

Argentina

Arizona
Australia (NEW)
Brazil
Curacao
Georgia
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Malaysia
Morocco
New York
Washington