---
title: "Back Down to Earth: Semtech and Lacuna Receiving Messages from Space"
description: LoRaWAN™ network coverage has expanded through the deployment of satellites.
image: https://blog.semtech.com/hubfs/Semtech-Blog-Space.jpg
---
[Skip to main content](https://blog.semtech.com/back-down-to-earth#content)
- [Cross Reference](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
- [Parametric](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [Shop](https://www.semtech.com/shop)
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- [mySemtech](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
- EN
- [EN](https://www.semtech.com/)
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- [JP (日本語)](https://www.semtech.jp/)
- [FR](https://www.semtech.fr/)
[](https://www.semtech.com)
- [LoRa®](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa® Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [Applications](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
### Applications Overview
With an ever-increasing number of IoT vertical applications, LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard is creating business efficiencies and improving lives around the world.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications)
- [Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-agriculture)
- [Cities](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-cities)
- [Environment](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-environment)
- [Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-healthcare)
- [Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-buildings)
- [Homes](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-homes)
- [Industrial Control](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-industrial-control)
- [Retail](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-retail)
- [Supply Chain and Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-supply-chain-logistics)
- [Electricity](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-electricity-metering)
- [Gas](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-gas-metering)
- [Water](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lora-applications/smart-water-metering)
- [Ecosystem](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
### Ecosystem Overview
LoRa is bolstered by a diverse global ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, software designers, network providers, and industry associations.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem)
- [LoRa Alliance®](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/lora-alliance)
- [Featured Sensor Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/sensor-features)
- [Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/gateways)
- [Software](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/software)
- [Networks](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/networks)
- [Industry Alliances](https://www.semtech.com/lora/ecosystem/industry-alliances)
- [Resources](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
### Resources Overview
Explore our top resources to help you learn more about LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard or bring a LoRa-based solution to market.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
- [LoRa Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources)
- [Videos](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-videos)
- [White Papers & Use Cases](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
- [LoRa Developers & Tech Support](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-community)
- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [Amazon Sidewalk](https://info.semtech.com/sidewalk)
- [Academy for LoRaWAN](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lorawan-academy)
- [Logo Use](https://www.semtech.com/company/brand-resources)
- [Press Releases](https://www.semtech.com/company/press/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
- [Press Coverage](https://www.semtech.com/company/news/category/pr-lora-wireless-rf)
- [Contact](https://www.semtech.com/company/contact/support)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products)
- [Products Overview](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Products Overview
Thousands of customers worldwide rely on our diverse product portfolio and world class technology roadmap for solutions in low power wireless communications, optical data transport, video broadcasting, power management, circuit protection, touch sensing, and more.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products)
### Quick Links
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [Shop](https://www.semtech.com/shop)
- [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [LoRa® Wireless RF](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
### Products Overview
LoRa®, a long range, low power platform, and the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things, is highly integrated and cost-effective, boasting a notable battery life of up to 20 years, a 3-mile range in urban environments and a 30-mile range outdoors.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf)
- [ICs for Gateways](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-core)
- [ICs for Sensors](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/lora-connect)
- [LoRa Cloud™](https://loracloud.com)
- [Software Library](https://www.semtech.com/products/wireless-rf/software-library-protocol-solution)
- [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
### Products Overview
Sophisticated devices that protect sensitive circuitry from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electrical Fast Transients (EFT), Cable Discharge Events (CDE), and other electrical overstress.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection)
### Circuit Protection Products
- [ESD Protection Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/esd-protection)
- [TVS Diodes](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/tvs-diodes)
### Interfaces
- [Antenna](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/antenna)
- [Automotive Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-ethernet)
- [Automotive High Speed](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/automotive-high-speed)
- [Ethernet](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/ethernet)
- [HDMI](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/hdmi)
- [RS-485](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/rs485)
- [USB](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/usb)
- [VBUS](https://www.semtech.com/products/circuit-protection/vbus)
- [Signal Integrity](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
### Products Overview
A comprehensive portfolio of innovative optical, analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that serve the rising global demand for high-speed data transmission products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity)
- [Clock & Data Recovery](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/clock-and-data-recovery)
- [Laser Drivers and Transceivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/laser-drivers-transceivers)
- [Limiting Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/limiting-amplifiers)
- [ROSAs](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/rosas)
- [Signal Conditioners](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/signal-conditioners)
- [Transimpedance Amplifiers](https://www.semtech.com/products/signal-integrity/transimpedance-amplifiers)
- [Professional AV](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
### Products Overview
Advanced off-the-shelf technology that enables end-to-end systems and integrates advanced inline signal processing capabilities such as light compression, broadcast quality scaling and audio down-mixing.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av)
- [BlueRiver®](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/blueriver)
- [USB Extension](https://www.semtech.com/products/professional-av/usb-extension)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
### Products Overview
Ultra-low power, feature-rich touch controllers that are optimized for numerous applications and provide best-in-class sensitivity with robust noise immunity to enhance touch and near range proximity detection.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [PerSe® Connect](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-connect)
- [PerSe® Contact](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-contact-human-sensor)
- [PerSe® Control](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/perse-control-touch-proximity-sensor)
- [IO Expanders](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing/io-expanders)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
### Products Overview
Award-winning solutions designed specifically to push real-world broadcast boundaries in performance, reach, power, and signal integrity while reducing time to market and design risks.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video)
- [AV Interface & Protocol Conversion](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/av-interface-protocol-conversion)
- [Configurable EQ/CD](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/configurable-eq-cd)
- [Cable Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-drivers)
- [Cable Equalizers](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/cable-equalizers)
- [Crosspoints](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/crosspoints)
- [Receivers (Deserializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/receivers-deserializers)
- [Reclocking](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/reclocking)
- [Transmitters (Serializers)](https://www.semtech.com/products/broadcast-video/transmitters-serializers)
- [Power Management](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
### Products Overview
A pioneer in power management ICs across networking and industrial power, handheld power and automotive applications, Semtech leads the quest to enable a new class of greener, smarter and smaller end products.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management)
- [EcoBrite LED Drivers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecobrite-led-drivers)
- [EcoSpeed DC-DC Converters](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/ecospeed-dc-dc-converters)
- [FemtoBuck DC-DC Regulators and Controllers](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtobuck-dc-dc-regulators-controllers)
- [FemtoSwitch Load Switch ICs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/femtoswitch-switches)
- [nanoSmart LDOs](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/nanosmart-ldos)
- [Neo-Iso Solid State Relays](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/neo-iso-solid-state-relays)
- [Special Functions](https://www.semtech.com/products/power-management/special-functions)
- [Cellular IoT Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
### Products Overview
Leading edge-to-Cloud solutions delivering the device, software and connectivity services needed to simplify and accelerate data-driven transformation with cellular IoT.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions)
- [Managed Connectivity](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/managed-connectivity)
- [Modules](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/modules)
- [Router Solutions](https://www.semtech.com/products/cellular-iot-solutions/router-solutions)
- [Technology](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
- [Technology Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Technology Overview
Our highly differentiated, disruptive analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms enable today's most innovative electronics within some of the fastest growing verticals and markets.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology)
### Quick Links
- [Related Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [LoRa White Papers & Infographics](https://www.semtech.com/lora/resources/lora-white-papers)
- [Product Selector Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [LoRa® Wireless RF For The IoT](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
### LoRa Wireless RF For The IoT Overview
LoRa is the de facto wireless platform of Internet of Things (IoT). Semtech's LoRa chipsets connect sensors to the Cloud and enable real-time communication of data and analytics that can be utilized to enhance efficiency and productivity.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/lora)
- [LoRa (PHY)](https://www.semtech.com/lora/what-is-lora)
- [Benefits of LoRa](https://www.semtech.com/lora/why-lora)
- [LoRaWAN® Standard](https://www.semtech.com/lora/lorawan-standard)
- [PerSe® Smart Sensing](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### PerSe® Smart Sensing Overview
Semtech's PerSe technology intelligently senses human presence for optimized connectivity and enhanced user experience.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/perse)
### Quick Links
- [Infographic](https://info.semtech.com/perse-smart-sensing-infographic)
- [Brochure](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/common/PerSe_One_Pager.pdf)
- [Blogs](https://blog.semtech.com/topic/perse)
- [Products](https://www.semtech.com/products/perse-smart-sensing)
- [Tri-Edge™ PAM4 CDR](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Tri-Edge PAM4 CDR Overview
Tri-Edge is a CDR platform optimized for PAM4 optical interconnect in next-generation 200G and 400G data center module and AOC applications.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/tri-edge)
### Quick Links
- [Tri-Edge White Paper](https://info.semtech.com/en/tri-edge-white-paper)
- [Product Selector Guide](https://www.semtech.com/uploads/design-support/Semtech_Optical_Product_Guide.pdf)
- [Open Eye MSA](https://www.openeye-msa.org/)
- [BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
### BlueRiver Platform For SDVoE™
BlueRiver AV-over-IP chipsets are the world’s only chipsets to transport uncompressed, zero-latency Ultra HD/4K HDR over standard Ethernet and are the foundation for Software Defined Video Over Ethernet (SDVoE) technology.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver OVERVIEW](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver)
- [BlueRiver APPLICATIONS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-applications)
- [BlueRiver VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-vertical-markets)
- [SDVoE ALLIANCE®](https://www.semtech.com/technology/blueriver-sdvoe)
- [Circuit Protection](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
### Circuit Protection Overview
Semtech is leading the way in Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) protection solutions that safeguard electronics systems against damage or latch-up caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning (surge), and other destructive voltage transients.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Circuit Protection Overview](https://www.semtech.com/technology/esd-protection)
- [Z-Platform](https://www.semtech.com/technology/z-platform)
- [Design Resources](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Design Resources Overview](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
### Design Resources Overview
Semtech places a high importance on delivering superior design support and provides a wealth of tools and resources with the goal of shortening your time to revenue for your new product introductions.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/)
- [Product Guides](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/product-guides)
- [Development Support Documentation](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/development-support-documents/)
- [Parametric Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/parametric-search)
- [Quality Assurance](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
- [LoRa GitHub](https://github.com/LoRa-Net)
- [LoRa PCB Design Review](https://info.semtech.com/pcb-design-review-service)
- [LoRa Calculator](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/lora-calculator)
- [LoRaWAN Academy and Training](https://learn.semtech.com/)
- [Product Cross Reference Search](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/cross-reference-search)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.semtech.com/design-support/faq)
- [mySemtech Document Portal](https://semtech.my.site.com/DP/)
- [IoT Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Internet of Things
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- - [Smart Agriculture](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-agriculture)
- [Smart Buildings](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-building-automation)
- [Smart Cities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-cities)
- [Smart Emergency](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-emergency-response)
- [Smart Environment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-environment)
- [Smart Healthcare](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-healthcare)
- [Smart Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-home-automation)
- [Smart Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-industrial-iot)
- [Smart Logistics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/logistics-supply-chain-management)
- [Smart Utilities](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-utilities)
- [Smart Consumer](https://www.semtech.com/applications/internet-of-things/smart-consumer)
- [Professional AV Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
### Professional AV
AptoVision BlueRiver™ Technology uses commercial-off-the-shelf Ethernet networks to deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability to the Pro AV industry.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications)
- - [AV Over IP](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/av-over-ip)
- [BYOM Video Conferencing](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/byom-video-conferencing)
- [HDMI Extender](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-extension)
- [HDMI Wall Plates](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hdmi-wallplates)
- [Hybrid AV Distribution](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/hybrid-av-distribution)
- [KVM Switches](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/kvm-switches)
- [Multiviewers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/multiviewers)
- [Point-to-Point Matrix Switching](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/point-to-point-matrix-switching)
- [Presentation Switchers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/presentation-switchers)
- [SDI Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdi-equipment)
- [SDVoE™ Integration](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/sdvoe-integration)
- [Smart Display Modules (SDM)](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/smart-display-modules-sdm)
- [USB-C](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/usb-c)
- [Video Walls](https://www.semtech.com/applications/pro-av-applications/video-walls)
- [Other Applications](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
### Other Applications
Award-winning LoRa Technology, ESD and surge protection, and smart control platforms for Internet of Things-enabled devices and low power, wide area network (LPWAN) infrastructure.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/applications)
- [Automotive](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps)
- [Advanced Driver Assistance Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/adas-body-electronics)
- [Automotive Battery Management Systems](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/automotive-battery-management-systems)
- [Automotive USB Charger](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/dashboard-electronics-usb-charging)
- [Infotainment Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/navigation-infotainment)
- [Remote Keyless Entry](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/remote-keyless-entry)
- [Telematics Unit](https://www.semtech.com/applications/automotive-apps/telematics-unit)
- [Broadcast Video](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications)
- [Broadcast Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/broadcast-video-applications/broadcast-equipment)
- [Consumer Electronics](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics)
- [Mobile Devices](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/mobile-devices)
- [Wearables](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/wearables)
- [TVs, Set Top Boxes, Monitors](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/tvs-set-top-boxes-monitors)
- [Laptops, Tablets, Computers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/laptops-tablets-computers)
- [Appliances & White Goods](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/appliances-white-goods)
- [Computers, Printers, Scanners](https://www.semtech.com/applications/consumer-electronics/computers-printers-scanners)
- [Industrial](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications)
- [Medical Equipment](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/medical-equipment)
- [Factory Automation](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/factory-automation)
- [Energy, Smart Grids, Smart Metering](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/energy-smart-grids-smart-metering)
- [Surveillance](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/surveillance)
- [Test & Measurement](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/test-measurement)
- [Power Tools](https://www.semtech.com/applications/industrial-applications/power-tools)
- [Infrastructure](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-datacenters)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-passive-optical-networks-fiber-to-the-home)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/infrastructure/enterprise-broadband)
- [Networking & Optical Communications](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication)
- [Broadband](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/broadband)
- [Passive Optical Networks / Fiber to the Home](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/passive-optical-networks)
- [ISM Networks](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/ism-networks)
- [Wireless Infrastructure, Base Stations](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/wireless-infrastructure-base-stations)
- [Data Centers](https://www.semtech.com/applications/networking-communication/datacenters)
- [Quality](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- ### Quality Overview
Ethical standards drive peak customer satisfaction.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Quality Overview](https://www.semtech.com/quality)
- [Reliability](https://www.semtech.com/quality/reliability)
- [Product Testing](https://www.semtech.com/quality/testing)
- [Material & Packaging Declarations](https://www.semtech.com/quality/declarations)
- [Quality & Failure Analysis](https://www.semtech.com/quality/analysis)
- [Search Pb(Lead)-Free/RoHS-Green](https://www.semtech.com/quality/search-pb-lead-free-rohs-green)
- [Environmental Initiatives](https://www.semtech.com/quality/environment)
- [Quality Policy](https://www.semtech.com/quality/policy)
- [Quality Certifications](https://www.semtech.com/quality/certifications)
- [IR Reflow Profiles](https://www.semtech.com/quality/reflow-profiles)
- [About](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- ### Company Overview
Since our founding in 1960 as a manufacturer of high reliability products, Semtech has grown to become a multinational technology innovator, enabling solutions that help to make the world a better place.
[Read More](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- [Company Overview](https://www.semtech.com/company)
- [Leadership](https://www.semtech.com/company/executive-leadership)
- [Corporate Citizenship (ESG)](https://www.semtech.com/company/corporate-citizenship)
- [Core Values](https://www.semtech.com/company/core-values)
- [News & Media](https://www.semtech.com/company/news-and-media)
- [Videos](https://www.semtech.com/company/videos)
- [Blog](https://blog.semtech.com)
- [Events](https://www.semtech.com/company/events)
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15 February, 2018 3 min read
# Back Down to Earth: Semtech and Lacuna Receiving Messages from Space
Rob Spurrett
I’ve been to far too many conferences over the years and usually return home to report a few narrow bands of interest interspersed over a wide band of noise. But I can easily say that this was the most exhilarating conference I have attended in recent years. Full stop.
The Things Network (TTN) was started two years ago by Wienke Giezeman and Johan Stokking and has become a tremendous success, spreading their concept of ‘Let’s build this thing together‘ based on their open standard LoRaWAN®-based gateways. TTN has gained tremendous traction, now with over 30,000 active developers, and close to 3,000 gateways deployed across 90 countries. (No matter what I write here, it will be quickly out of date). Over 600 lucky developers were at this first conference and I am sure they will be proud to claim ‘I was there’ as it (gains further momentum each year forward).
So what makes the TTN community special? Firstly, the culture of TTN is very much ‘less talking, more doing’ and this was in evidence at the conference. To quote Wienke, ‘We don’t want booths, we want workshops and teach-ins’ so developers can get down and dirty with the latest technology.
*Find tools for LoRa-based developers in Semtech's developer portal:*
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/57e9f087-ec72-43a2-88ab-8c9610132e4f)
Secondly, whilst that may give the impression of a maker conference for ‘hobbyists’, it was far from that. The calibre of the keynote presentations and speakers was exceptional, and the workshops were dense with users figuring out real solutions, in real-time with the kit manufacturers. Whilst the debate about the best IoT protocol rages on amongst the large players, the 500+ members of the LoRa Alliance®, quietly press on with ‘doing not talking’ in getting their system out into the wild!
The Internet of Things is an incredibly hyped thing, and to paraphrase TTN, at the moment it is like a main street without any shops. Here I witnessed a developer community building out the malls to make use of thriving distribution network. Anyway, enough of the gushing – thank you TTN – you did a great job!
For Lacuna it was also a landmark moment in our development. We got to reveal what we have been doing (and not yet talking much about). First up, one of our key collaborators, and one of the architects of Semtech’s LoRa® devices and wireless radio frequency technology (LoRa Technology), Nicolas Sornin did his keynote on the future direction of LoRa under his leadership at Semtech, during which we got a hint at what was coming later in his ‘pet project’. The video of his talk is available [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNnPTxWRNxs&feature=youtu.be).
Nicolas Sornin presenting on the Future of LoRa and his ‘favourite project’.
Next up, our CTO, Thomas Telkamp, explained our mission to extend the LoRaWAN network by providing satellite connectivity to fill those voids between the terrestrial gateways helping to ensure global coverage. His full talk will be available shortly (the link will be in the comments below and on our Twitter site when it is published shortly). We will be using a constellation of polar orbiting low-earth orbiting satellites to receive messages from sensors integrated with LoRa Technology on the ground. At about 500km above the ground, the satellites circle over the poles of the earth every 100 minutes and as the earth revolves below them, they cover the whole globe.
 Thomas Telkamp introducing Lacuna Space and satellite IoT connectivity.
To follow the theme of the conference of ‘more doing, less talking’ Thomas also did a latter presentation including a live-demo of satellite reception. And the demo gods answered our prayers and it all worked. Throughout the conference, we borrowed the Norsat-2 satellite, thanks to our friends at Space Norway, Norwegian Space Centre, and ESA, and for a short period TTNSat-1 was born! From this satellite we transmitted a LoRa-based message as the satellite passed over the conference. We located receivers based on the standard Semtech chip on the roof of the conference building and also the TU Delft, and each time the satellite came into view, we printed it out on a 60-year old telex machine (see picture below and in action [here](https://twitter.com/lacuna_space)). Thanks to our friends Dario Buma, Marc Buma, Nicolas Sornin, Stefano Speretta, Bart Root, Frank Olaf Sem-Jacobsen, Lars Løge, Hans-Christian Haughli, Nader Alagha, Frank Zeppenfeldt for making this awesome project happen.
The Past, Present and Future!
Why do that you may ask? Well, it proved to be a nice demo of old and new tech and as we came to realize, some of the younger participants didn’t even know what a telex machine was so had fun figuring out the analogy between its moving mechanical parts and the computer equivalents! OK it wasn’t quite the same as launching a Tesla Roadster to Mars, but we had fun, and thousands of people have viewed it on-line afterwards. For those that want to know more about the details, we will do a later blog, and Thomas’ second video will be online later. It was a very tangible demonstration of the robustness of the LoRaWAN radio protocol and will be remembered by many as the point when it was unleashed on a truly global commercial scale.
So that’s far too much ‘talking’ for now – back to some ‘doing’.
Rob
P.S. If you are interested in participating in our beta-service trials later this year, then register at our [website](http://lacuna.space/get-involved/) and in the meantime, keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/lacuna_space), [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/company/lacuna-space/)) for some exciting announcements over the coming weeks.
The original posting of this blog can be found on the Lacuna Space [website](http://lacuna.space/).
Find tools for LoRa-based developers in Semtech's developer portal:
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2507363/0b1e564c-ef5f-459b-b898-abe898ba7ccb)
*Semtech®, the Semtech logo, LoRa®, and LoRaWAN® are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its affiliates. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.*
---
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