What do a premier global tractor company and a space agency have in common with each other? Let’s find out! Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest talked with Deere & Company (aka John Deere) regarding its decision to partner with SpaceX to provide a secure, cutting-edge solution for its connected fleet of intelligent machines. Back in September 2022, John Deere announced it was seeking SATCOM-focused proposals that would better enable it to serve the ag operators of its precision ag machines. Michael Kool, Senior Product Manager of Connected Fleet, John Deere, said that after reviewing the submitted proposals and testing satellite technologies for about eight months, Deere decided to work alongside SpaceX. Kool said that they went with SpaceX because of the speed at which its low-orbiting satellites could transmit signals and how easily they could expand their fleet if needed. “Our partnership with SpaceX ensures we have a solution that meets our customers’ connectivity needs today and in the future,” noted Kool. “With improved connectivity via satellites, farmers will be able to work more efficiently and productively, reduce downtime, and coordinate among machines for more efficient use of resources.” Okay, so we have a partnership going. But what exactly is going to happen—i.e., what is SpaceX sending up on behalf of John Deere? Kool explained that the SATCOM solution will connect new and existing machines through satellite internet services and ruggedized satellite terminals. So, nothing physical from John Deere is going up—sorry, no tractors or combines—but the software will be uploaded from Earth into the programming of existing orbiting SpaceX satellites known as Starlink. Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite communications network that maintains a network of thousands of low-orbit satellites for internet access globally. PHOTO: Alice – stock.adobe.com 08 OUTTA THIS WORLD! John Deere and SpaceX partner up to provide farmers— regardless of broadband connectivity—the ability to use its precision ag technologies ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQyMDk=