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HELSINKI – Chinese startup Bluelink Satcom has secured early-stage funding to establish a satellite network capable of detecting Bluetooth signals originating from space. This innovative approach aims to provide cost-effective solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.
Funding Boosts Development of Space-Based Bluetooth Detection
Bluelink Satcom announced the successful completion of an angel+ funding round on March 25, amassing tens of millions of yuan, estimated to be between $3 million and $13 million. The funding was spearheaded by LinGe Ventures, with Hongfu Capital also participating in the investment.
Funds to Facilitate First Bluetooth Satellite and Team Growth
The raised capital will be directed towards the construction and launch of China’s pioneering Bluetooth satellite, encompassing operational costs and strategic team expansion, as stated by the company.
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Low-Cost IoT Connectivity via Bluetooth Satellites
The company, formally known as Beijing Lanying Xingtong Technology Co., Ltd, asserts its technology offers a budget-friendly approach for delivering low-speed, extensive-area Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. This system is designed for one-way communication, enabling satellites to receive data from devices but not transmit back.
Harnessing Bluetooth Technology for Satellite Communication
Bluelink Satcom intends to adapt existing Bluetooth wireless technology, typically employed for short-distance device connections, to facilitate data transmission to satellites orbiting hundreds of kilometers above the Earth. The planned satellites will integrate payloads with exceptional sensitivity to capture faint Bluetooth signals transmitted through the atmosphere.
Advantages of Low-Power Bluetooth Satellite Connectivity
The utilization of low-power Bluetooth signals significantly decreases energy consumption and infrastructure demands for connectivity and monitoring, potentially broadening IoT coverage. Satellites can extend coverage to regions lacking terrestrial networks, power supplies, or communication infrastructure, thus enabling efficient data collection and monitoring in remote locations. This system is particularly suited for devices utilizing Bluetooth exclusively, such as specific sensors and tags.
Initial Applications in Monitoring and Emergency Response
The company anticipates that the primary initial applications for Bluetooth satellites will center on meteorological emergencies, traffic management, and infrastructure monitoring of bridges and buildings. The cost-effectiveness and broad coverage of satellites present a viable alternative to traditional manual monitoring methods.
Software Updates Enable Device Compatibility
Bluelink Satcom emphasizes that devices will not require hardware modifications to connect to the satellite network. Compatibility will be achieved through simple Bluetooth software updates, deployable via over-the-air firmware upgrades.
Launch Timeline for Bluetooth Satellite Constellation
The company aims to deploy its initial payload into orbit around the late second quarter or early third quarter of this year. Bluelink Satcom plans to have a total of four payloads in orbit by the close of 2025 to conduct comprehensive technical validations.
Building Towards a 72-Satellite Constellation
Bluelink Satcom is progressing towards establishing a constellation of 72 satellites by the end of 2028. This constellation is projected to deliver revisit times on the order of minutes, enhancing data collection frequency.
Emergence of Bluelink Satcom
Reports from Chinese media indicate Bluelink Satcom’s establishment in October 2023, although publicly available details about the company remain limited. In 2024, the company completed additional funding rounds with investments from Qiji Chuangtan and Gaojie Capital.
Leadership and Expertise
Chinese media reports identify Cai Lingfeng as the founder of the company. Mr. Cai’s background includes prior experience at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics—a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC)—China’s primary state-owned space contractor, and encompasses expertise in both aerospace and financial technology sectors.
Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning
Bluelink Satcom acknowledges only one direct global competitor in this specialized domain: Seattle-based Hubble Network, which aims to deploy its complete constellation of 96 satellites by 2028 to achieve global coverage. Bluelink Satcom highlights its strong integration within China’s extensive Bluetooth ecosystem, suggesting a potential advantage for rapid domestic scaling.
Alternative Satellite IoT Solutions
Existing satellite IoT service providers, such as Swarm, Lacuna Space utilizing LoRaWAN, and Astrocast with its two-way communication modules, offer low-power, low-data-rate connectivity for remote sensing and asset tracking. However, these providers typically rely on proprietary hardware modules or specific communication protocols, serving niche applications.
Favorable Policy Environment in China
Bluelink Satcom’s initiatives are unfolding against a backdrop of supportive Chinese central government policies fostering the commercial space sector. Numerous provinces and cities are actively formulating action plans to attract space technology companies and encourage their growth, creating a favorable ecosystem for ventures like Bluelink Satcom.