First Spacecoin Satellite Launching in December
Company Hopes to Build Decentralized Space-Based Internet Service
Among the passengers launching on December 21 on the SpaceX Bandwagon-2 mission is the first satellite built by Spacecoin as it embarks on a program to build the first decentralized, space-based Internet service.
“The Internet is one of the most crucial modern inventions that has revolutionized every aspect of human life.”
Tae Oh, Spacecoin
CTC-0 will take off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It will conduct a pilot test with partners in Africa and South Asia. Additional satellites are expected to be launched in 2025 to conduct pilot tests across various frequency bands, secure more partners to drive market adoption and expansion, and prepare for a Q4 launch to start providing service to potentially billions of unconnected people.
The project will rely on 5G NTN technology to provide direct-to-mobile-device connectivity, ultimately eliminating the need for expensive ground infrastructure such as fiber-optic cables and cellphone towers. According to the company, the blockchain-powered Spacechain protocol will ensure that no centralized authority controls the network. Therefore, the internet access will remain truly in the hands of the users and no telecom provider or government will be able to censor or shut it down.
By eliminating the need for ground infrastructure and by utilizing blockchain technology, Spacecoin’s operational costs will be significantly lower. The company estimates monthly costs of only $1-2 per user in emerging markets.
“The Internet is one of the most crucial modern inventions that has revolutionized every aspect of human life – from how we get our information to how we access finance, education, and healthcare," said Spacecoin founder Tae Oh. "Yet billions remain disconnected from this promise. At Spacecoin, we are committed to change that and this launch is the first step towards universal internet access.”
The company estimates that nearly 37% of the global population today has no internet connectivity. By bringing universal internet access, the company hopes to "Connect the Unconnected" and provide direct-to-mobile internet connectivity to global regions that lack reliable internet access such as emerging markets.