Seattle-based Hubble Network has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by establishing Bluetooth connections with Earth from over 370 miles away through its satellites orbiting in space. This feat, accomplished during SpaceX’s Transporter-10 ride-sharing mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks a significant advancement in global connectivity technology.
Founded in 2021 by Alex Haro, Ben Wild, and John Kim, Hubble Network faced skepticism due to the challenges Bluetooth connections traditionally encounter even in close proximity. Ben Wild, drawing from his experience in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, understood the limitations of existing solutions, which are power-intensive and lack global reach.
“By showcasing that we can send signals directly from Bluetooth chips and receive them in space over 600km away, we have disproved thousands of skeptics who claimed what we’re attempting was impossible,” Haro, CEO at Hubble, said in a press release.
Hubble’s breakthrough lies in its utilization of low-power Bluetooth connections facilitated by off-the-shelf 3.5 mm Bluetooth chips, enhanced with a software upgrade. These chips communicate with Hubble’s satellites orbiting in space via phased array antennas, capable of capturing low-power signals from ground-based devices. Overcoming technical hurdles such as Doppler effects and frequency mismatches, Hubble has achieved reliable long-distance communication.
The company claims a substantial reduction in battery drain and operating costs, positioning itself to connect billions of devices worldwide across various industries. By leveraging its innovative technology, Hubble aims to transform many sectors like consumer devices, construction, logistics, agriculture, and defense.
“Our mission to build the world’s first truly global, cost-effective, and battery-efficient network has taken a significant leap forward with this technological breakthrough,” added Haro.
Hubble’s roadmap also includes launching additional satellites to expand its constellation, aiming for a total of 32 satellites by late 2025 to early 2026. This ambitious plan will enable Bluetooth connectivity with Hubble satellites multiple times daily, facilitating applications such as soil monitoring and continuous health monitoring for the elderly.
With the potential to impact diverse fields by providing accessible, low-power, and affordable global connectivity, Hubble Network envisions a future where its network becomes integral to numerous industries. Ben Wild emphasizes the significance of this achievement, considering the vast number of Bluetooth devices sold annually and the transformative potential of Hubble’s network.
“With nearly five billion Bluetooth devices sold annually, our network has the potential to significantly impact numerous fields by making global connectivity accessible, low-power, and affordable,” said Wild in the press release.
As Hubble continues its journey towards establishing a robust global communication infrastructure, its groundbreaking technology heralds a new era of connectivity, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and collaboration across industries worldwide.
