Hubble Network Pioneers Direct Satellite Connection via Bluetooth, Ushering in a New Era of Global Asset Tracking
In may 2024, Hubble Network achieved a landmark feat: the first successful Bluetooth connection directly to a satellite. This breakthrough promises to revolutionize how companies track assets and establish connectivity in previously unreachable locations. Rather of requiring costly, specialized hardware, Hubble’s approach allows integration with existing device chipsets via a simple firmware update, opening up space-based connectivity to a wider range of applications.
The Promise of Global Visibility
Hubble Network‘s vision centers around providing ubiquitous connectivity. Their space-based network offers several key advantages:
Global Coverage: Reach assets anywhere on the planet, including remote and underserved areas.
Simplified Integration: Leverage existing Bluetooth chipsets in your devices, minimizing development costs and time.
Infrastructure-Free Tracking: Eliminate the need to build and maintain costly terrestrial tracking infrastructure.
Developer-Friendly Platform: A streamlined approach designed for easy integration and rapid deployment.
Currently, Hubble operates seven satellites, with an ambitious plan to expand to a 60-satellite constellation by 2028. This expansion will be crucial to realizing the full potential of their network and delivering consistent, reliable coverage.
Scaling for Success: The Muon Space Partnership
To achieve its aggressive growth targets, Hubble has strategically partnered with Muon Space, a rapidly scaling satellite manufacturer. This collaboration is driven by Muon’s ability to quickly ramp up production,supported by a recent $146 million Series B funding round.
Muon’s San Jose facility is undergoing expansion to support the production of over 500 spacecraft annually by 2027. This capacity is vital for Hubble’s ambitious constellation build-out.
Introducing the MuSat XL: Powering the Next Generation of Connectivity
Hubble is the inaugural customer for Muon’s 500 kilogram-class MuSat XL satellite platform. This platform offers significant performance enhancements, including:
Multi-Kilowatt Power: Enables more powerful payloads and extended operational capabilities.
Optical Crosslinks: Facilitate faster and more efficient data transfer between satellites.
High-Volume Downlink: Supports the transmission of large datasets.
Near Real-Time Communications: Critical for time-sensitive applications like asset monitoring and emergency response.
This partnership also positions Muon to compete for lucrative contracts within the Department of Defence, particularly related to the Space development Agency’s (SDA) missile defense constellation initiative. The MuSat XL platform is ideally suited for SDA Tranche missions, reflecting Muon’s growing expertise in multi-mission spacecraft.
Space-as-a-Service: A New Paradigm for Satellite Access
Muon Space operates on a “space-as-a-service” model. They handle the complex aspects of satellite design, construction, and operation thru their vertically-integrated Halo stack – a combination of hardware and software.
this allows companies like Hubble to focus on their core competencies – in this case, developing the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network - while relying on Muon for the underlying satellite infrastructure and mission operations. You benefit from space access without the massive upfront investment and ongoing operational overhead.Looking Ahead
hubble Network’s pioneering Bluetooth-to-satellite connection marks a significant step forward in the democratization of space-based connectivity. By simplifying access and reducing costs, they are poised to unlock a new wave of innovation in asset tracking, remote monitoring, and a host of other applications. As the constellation expands and the MuSat XL platform comes online, expect to see even more transformative applications emerge from this exciting new frontier.







