Rapidtek puts first IoT LEO satellite into orbit

Taiwan-based Rapidtek Technologies has launched Black Kite-1, the first of four planned low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites designed for Internet of Things connectivity. The 8U IoT CubeSat, carried by a SpaceX rocket on 29 November, marks the start of Rapidtek’s new constellation and forms part of a wider Taiwanese push to grow its non-terrestrial communications sector through local start-ups.

Black Kite-1 succeeds the smaller 3U Nightjar satellite, with more payload capacity, user support and application options. Now in a Sun-synchronous orbit between 500km and 600km above Earth, it passes over Taiwan up to twice a day. Rapidtek is using the satellite to test system stability and pointing accuracy; validate Ku-band high-speed and LoRa low-data-rate links; and trial a high-precision GPS receiver and a space-grade GPU. The company says the satellite could help close coverage gaps in remote and underserved regions and plans to complete its four-satellite deployment in 2026. The 8U units replace two 3U models launched in 2024 and sit within the Taiwan Space Agency’s CubeSat programme, which backs domestic companies across the satellite technology and manufacturing chain.