diff --git a/cubesatsim/cubesatsim.h b/cubesatsim/cubesatsim.h
index e362968c..7a9775a4 100644
--- a/cubesatsim/cubesatsim.h
+++ b/cubesatsim/cubesatsim.h
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ int uart_fd;
 
 int reset_count = 0;
 float uptime_sec = 1000;
-long int uptime = 0;
+long int uptime = 1000;
 char call[5];
 char sim_yes[10];