Imagine a Bluetooth network stretching all around the Earth, connecting devices seamlessly across continents and oceans. That’s exactly what I recently came across with Hubble Network, a Seattle-based startup shaking up the IoT landscape by bringing to enterprises what Apple’s Find My service offers to consumers.
Hubble’s next big leap? A powerful new phased-array Bluetooth receiver set to fly onboard two massive MuSat XL satellites from Muon Space in 2027. These satellites are game changers, offering a 12-hour global revisit time and the ability to detect Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals at a staggering 30 times lower power than current tech allows. If everything goes as planned, this could drastically extend battery life for the tons of tracking tags and sensors we use in logistics, defense, and infrastructure.
Back in 2024, Hubble already made history as the first company to establish a Bluetooth link directly to a satellite. But now, with the new hardware upgrade, they’re envisioning a truly global Bluetooth layer, meaning your assets are trackable anywhere—not just near cell towers or Wi-Fi hotspots.
“Hubble’s new satellites will detect Bluetooth signals at 30 times lower power than today’s capabilities.”
Another interesting point? Rather than businesses needing to build expensive new infrastructure, Hubble’s approach is surprisingly accessible. Companies only have to integrate a piece of firmware into their existing Bluetooth chipsets to tap into the network. That’s a low barrier to entry that could invite huge adoption.
The partnership behind this upgrade is just as exciting. Hubble teamed up with Muon Space, a startup that’s rapidly scaling up to produce hundreds of satellites annually. Muon’s MuSat XL platform offers multi-kilowatt power, optical crosslinks, and near real-time communications, making it ideal for time-sensitive missions, including defense contracts with the Department of Defense’s Space Development Agency.
Muon’s approach boils down to ‘space-as-a-service’—they build and operate the satellites so companies like Hubble can focus solely on their payloads and services. This vertical integration is powerful, especially for young companies aiming at ambitious satellite constellations. For Hubble, it means a faster path to building out a network they hope will have 60 satellites operational by 2028.
What really dawned on me is the scope of impact: this network doesn’t just promise tracking in cities—it extends coverage to the most remote and challenging corners of the globe. For industries reliant on real-time data and asset visibility—think shipping fleets, supply chain management, even national security—that’s huge.
Of course, big plans come with challenges. Achieving such low-power Bluetooth detection from orbit and maintaining continuous global coverage isn’t trivial. But the recent funding rounds and rapid manufacturing scale-up at Muon lend credibility to the aggressive 2027 launch timeline.
Whatever happens, Hubble Network’s vision shines a light on a thrilling future where global connectivity goes beyond 5G and Wi-Fi, leaning on satellites to weave together a new digital fabric of communication.
Key takeaways from the satellite Bluetooth revolution
- True global Bluetooth layer: Hubble’s upgraded satellites aim to provide worldwide Bluetooth coverage with just firmware integration for existing devices.
- Ultra-low power detection: Detecting BLE signals at 30 times less power could dramatically extend battery life for tracking sensors.
- Space-as-a-service partnership: Collaborating with Muon Space lets Hubble focus on network innovation while relying on a scalable satellite platform.
In the end, this development is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a bold step toward a connected planet where space tech empowers everyday business and security needs globally.