Hubble Networks, a US-based space technology company, has achieved a world first: a direct Bluetooth connection to a satellite more than 600 km away, a breakthrough technology that could enable millions of devices to connect anywhere on Earth, regardless of mobile phone coverage.
The Hubble Space Telescope proved skeptics wrong by successfully launching its first two satellites in March 2024. Hubble’s proprietary technology allows standard Bluetooth chips to communicate with the satellites using software updates, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated hardware.
A new milestone in IoT
This innovation will revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT). Imagine being able to connect any Bluetooth device to a global network while drastically reducing battery drain and operational costs.
The implications could be significant, impacting industries such as agriculture (allowing lower-cost sensors to be used more effectively) and defense (secure, reliable communications). Hubble is already working with pilot customers across a range of sectors to explore these possibilities.
Expanding
Users can connect their Bluetooth devices to Hubble’s network with a simple firmware update. With billions of Bluetooth devices sold annually, the potential impact is truly enormous. Hubble plans to further expand its network with a third satellite launch on a SpaceX mission later this year.
