Hubble Network has just achieved something that was once thought impossible: the first-ever Bluetooth connection directly to space. Backed by a $20 million series A funding round from industry giants like Transpose Platform and Y Combinator, Hubble Network has taken a giant leap forward. On March 4, 2024, from the grounds of Vandenberg Space Force Base, Hubble successfully launched its first two satellites. These aren’t just any satellites; they’ve successfully reached their orbits and managed to receive signals from a simple 3.5mm Bluetooth chip over an astonishing distance of 600 km.
Breaking through the scepticism
Many thought it couldn’t be done. The sceptics were vocal, claiming that Bluetooth technology couldn’t possibly bridge the vast expanse of space. But as Alex Haro, co-founder and CEO of Hubble Network, puts it, “We’ve disproved thousands of sceptics by showcasing that we can send signals directly from Bluetooth chips and receive them in space 600 km away, we’ve opened a new realm of possibilities.”
Traditional networks often struggle with coverage in remote areas, they drain too much power, and they cost too much to operate effectively on a global scale. Hubble’s breakthrough addresses these issues head-on by enabling any off-the-shelf Bluetooth device with a mere software update to connect to their satellite network without cellular reception, they’re paving the way for a revolution in the Internet of Things (IoT). Imagine global coverage with 20 times less battery drain and 50 times lower operating costs. It’s not just an improvement; it’s a transformation.
Industry transformation
This isn’t just about sending a signal to space. It’s about what this capability can do for industries worldwide. From agriculture, where farmers can harness more from existing low-power, low-cost sensors without the need for additional expensive space-enabled hardware, to defence, where secure and reliable communication is paramount, the implications are profound. Hubble Network is already working with pilot customers in sectors like consumer devices, construction, infrastructure, supply chain, logistics, oil and gas, and defence to explore these opportunities.
“Our innovative approach allows existing Bluetooth-enabled devices to be retrofitted to transmit data to the Hubble Network without any hardware modifications, ushering in a new era of connectivity”, Ben Wild, co-founder and CTO, said.
With nearly five billion Bluetooth devices sold annually, the impact of this new connectivity could be monumental. Hubble Network are redefining the boundaries of what’s possible in global communication. The company is dedicated to expanding its network to increase the capacity and frequency of satellite flybys, aiming to create a secure, cost-effective, and battery-efficient global network.
