Hubble connects to satellite via Bluetooth for the first time

The Hubble network has achieved a breakthrough by connecting to the spacecraft via Bluetooth.

About company

The startup Hubble Network was created in 2021 by a team consisting of Alex Haro, Ben Wilde and John Kim. The company joined Y Combinator in 2022 and closed a $20 million series of funding in 2023.

"When Wild first heard about the idea of ​​connecting a Bluetooth chip to a satellite, his initial reaction was, 'No way in the world.' And it really does sound crazy."

Alex Haro, founder of Hubble Network

The goal of the Hubble Network is to create a constellation of satellites that can provide real-time updates to any sensor or device equipped with a Bluetooth chip.

According to representatives of the startup, their technology can be implemented in smart pet collars, GPS watches, cars and construction tools. To connect to satellite communications, users will need to update the chipsets of their devices using firmware.

About connecting to a satellite

In March, Hubble Network launched its first 2 satellites into orbit as part of the SpaceX Transporter-10 mission. Since then, company representatives have confirmed receiving signals from built-in Bluetooth chips with a diameter of 3.5 mm from a distance of more than 600 km from Earth.

As part of its plans for the near future, the company intends to launch 3 more satellites as part of the SpaceX Transporter-11 mission and 4 as part of the Transporter-13 program. They will form a “beta constellation” and will allow customers to try out the technology in practice for the first time.

A total of 32 Hubble satellites are planned to be launched, which will provide Bluetooth communication from anywhere in the world.