Apolink Establishes Link with IPoS-TDsM Relay Cubesat
California startup Apolink has confirmed signal acquisition for its first data-relay satellite, initiating a demonstration of transparent S-band inter-satellite links in LEO.
DATA LINK ESTABLISHED
Apolink has confirmed primary contact with its first orbital asset, the IPoS-TDsM (Interoperability Protocol over Satellite – Technology Demonstration Mission). The 3U cubesat was successfully deployed into sun-synchronous orbit via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare on July 7 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
According to SpaceNews, the mission utilizes a first-of-its-kind experimental S-band license from the FCC. This authorization permits Apolink to operate inter-satellite links on an unprotected, non-interference basis. The IPoS-TDsM is designed to act as a "transparent relay layer," digitizing and forwarding data from peer satellites to ground stations without altering the signal integrity. This bypasses the need for immediate ground-pass windows for command-and-control operations.
OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS
- Link Range: Up to 150 kilometers during line-of-sight passes.
- Primary Partner: Singapore-based NuSpace (utilizing NuLink-1 and NuLink-2).
- Window: Conjunction testing begins in July and extends through November.
- Infrastructure: Radio frequency subsystems provided by GomSpace.
Apolink CEO Onkar Batra indicated that the current mission validates over-the-air signal processing following successful lab simulations. The company aims to scale this technology into a 32-satellite relay constellation. Future integration plans include a 2027 launch partnership with Canadian firm Galaxia to further refine in-orbit data routing capabilities.