Getting started with satellite connectivity
We have a huge amount of respect for the developers, educators and enthusiasts who utilize our services for creative and often unique applications. We’re proud that we’ve helped hundreds of academic research projects and hobbyists take their first steps connecting devices via satellite.
From schools using smart buoys to help contain oil spills, to launching high altitude balloons into space; sending autonomous boats across the oceans to piloting drones beyond visual line of sight – Ground Control’s reliable, robust, well-priced solutions make pole-to-pole connectivity possible.
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Introducing the RockBLOCK range
Probably the best entry level product Ground Control has to offer hobbyists and educators is the RockBLOCK range of products: the RockBLOCK 9602 MK2, the RockBLOCK 9603, designed for smaller enclosures, and the fully waterproof and robust RockBLOCK Plus.
The RockBLOCK products are compatible with Arduino, Windows, Mac and Linux computers, including Raspberry PI, and many other platforms with serial or USB ports. They connect users to the Iridium Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation, allowing coverage anywhere on Earth.
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Why work with Ground Control for your satellite connectivity needs?
Fully featured APIs
Live tracking data
Competitive pricing
Global support
Global community
Highly secure
Pole to pole coverage
Get inspired by these creative projects
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12th November 2019Maker Buoy Utilizes RockBLOCK for Communications
Ground Control Partner Maker Buoy has developed a new populated board to get people up and running using the RockBLOCK 9602/9603 quickly for offshore buoy telemetry applications.
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15th August 2021Epsom College and the Microtransat Challenge
Epsom College are competing in The Microtransat challenge and are trying to build a robot boat that can sail from England to America autonomously. It has been attempted approximately 25 times by Universities, Businesses and Individuals; however, it has never been completed.
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3rd August 2021Kraken – Ocean Drifter Buoy
‘Kraken’ is a project by Sutton Grammar School. The main concept behind the buoy is its primary use as an oil response system. The system is based around an oil response unit that aims to make it easier for oil companies to clean up spills quickly and effectively.
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LOHAN – High-Altitude Rocket
LOHAN is a madcap project involving using a high-altitude balloon to launch a glider to the edge of space then have it released from the balloon and navigate itself down to a designated landing spot. The unit needed a way to communicate when out of normal GPRS coverage.
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21st July 2021
Space-Bound Instrument Packages
Edorado High School sends instrumentation packages, called Eagles, to the edge of space and transmits back temperature, pressure, and GPS data, as well as live video. In all, twenty different data channels are telemetered back to ‘Mission Control’ in the classroom.
If you need any help...
If you prefer, you can purchase the Rock series of products directly via our website, and then register the device / purchase your airtime when you're ready; it's completely possible to self-serve.
