Snooping On Orbcomm IoT Satellites

Orbcomm is a satellite provider focusing on Internet of Things (IoT) data. They collect and distribute short messages from small terminals all over the world, like shipping containers, vehicle trackers, remote sensors, etc. Since these satellites are on VHF frequencies right next to the NOAA weather satellites, I can pick them up with my existing QFH antenna.

The actual data you can see from these isn't super interesting, since everything is encrypted. All you can really get is the satellite position and some basic telemetry in cleartext. It's still kind of neat to be able to say you did it!

I used this software to decode the signals: https://github.com/fbieberly/ORBCOMM-receiver/tree/rtl_tcp

More information here: https://www.rtl-sdr.com/orbcomm-receiver-new-open-source-software-for-monitoring-orbcomm-satellites/


Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at https://saveitforparts.myspreadshop.com/

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/join

Or support me via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/saveitforparts