This update does not enable a direct connection with the ISS astronauts' headphones – but rather with satellites that should be reachable even from the most remote locations. (Symbol image, source: Adobe Stock – sdcoret)
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When you think of a Bluetooth connection, most of you might think of headphones that connect to your cell phone a few meters away. This picture could now change forever.
On April 29, 2024, a company reported their success in transmitting a Bluetooth signal over a distance of 600km sent to a satellite. We're talking about the space company Hubble Networkwhich transmitted into space with a simple 3.5 mm Bluetooth chip.
Why is that important? The Hubble Network describes it quite aptly:
Traditional networks are often not enough. They struggle to cover remote areas, use too much power, and are too expensive to function effectively on a global scale.
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- The Hubble Network wants to fill this gap via Bluetooth.
- With a simple software update, all Bluetooth-enabled devices should be able to connect to space without a cellular connection.
- If this works in practice, it could mean a small revolution for the IoT (Internet of Things).
In detail: According to the Hubble Network blog post, there was initially a lot of skepticism about the project. Ultimately, $20 million was invested and Hubble launched its first two satellites from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 4, 2024.
- According to Hubble, the Bluetooth connection uses 20 times less power from devices.
- Operating costs are 50 times lower than traditional cellular connections.
- No conversion: just one Software update should enable this development.
- According to the company, a connection between its satellite and a Bluetooth chip was successfully established in an initial attempt.
Limitation: Unfortunately, the company's blog posts do not describe exactly how Hubble Network was able to increase Bluetooth's short range so much or provide any additional information about its success.
Bluetooth in detail: If you are interested in knowing about Bluetooth, please watch this short video. It uses simple graphics to explain the strengths and weaknesses of this technology and draws a comparison to WiFi:
Link to YouTube content
Sensible use of technology: As mentioned above, this technology is primarily intended to connect remote locations to the global network. According to the company, the following industries will particularly benefit from this:
- Agriculture, where farmers could use more energy-efficient and cost-effective sensors.
- In defense (i.e. military communications).
- Containers and package tracking.
- Emergency transmitters for the elderly or children can now be activated globally.
Hubble Network says it works with consumer device, construction, infrastructure and logistics companies.
So the use seems pretty unlimited. Only time will tell whether the connection can really be established so easily from all parts of the world. If it actually works in practice, there will definitely be some changes in the market.
What do you think about this development? Simply transmit from anywhere and the most remote places? Where do you think this technology could be used particularly usefully? Feel free to write it in the comments.