Chinese startup Bluelink Satcom has received significant early-stage funding to develop a groundbreaking satellite network capable of detecting Bluetooth signals from space. The company announced an angel+ funding round on March 25, securing tens of millions of yuan (approximately $3 million to $13 million). LinGe Ventures led the round, with participation from Hongfu Capital.
This funding will facilitate the construction and launch of China's first Bluetooth satellite, along with operational expenses and team expansion. Bluelink Satcom, officially known as Beijing Lanying Xingtong Technology Co., Ltd., positions its technology as a cost-effective solution for low-speed, wide-area Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. It's important to note that this connectivity will be one-way; the satellites won't be able to initiate connections with devices.
The company's innovative approach involves repurposing existing Bluetooth technology, typically used for short-range connections, to transmit data to satellites orbiting hundreds of kilometers above Earth. Their satellites will feature ultra-high sensitivity payloads to detect faint Bluetooth signals. This low-power approach significantly reduces energy and infrastructure needs, potentially expanding IoT coverage into remote areas lacking existing networks or power infrastructure.
Bluelink Satcom anticipates initial applications focusing on meteorological emergencies, traffic monitoring, and bridge and building surveillance. The low cost and wide coverage offered by satellites are intended to replace traditional, manual monitoring methods. Notably, the company emphasizes that no hardware modifications are required for devices to connect; only a Bluetooth software update is needed, achievable through over-the-air firmware updates.
The company aims to launch its first payload by the end of the second or early third quarter of this year. A total of four payloads are slated for orbit by the end of 2025 for technical verification, with a planned constellation of 72 satellites by the end of 2028, providing revisit times on the order of minutes. Established in October 2023, Bluelink Satcom has also completed funding rounds in 2024 with Qiji Chuangtan and Gaojie Capital.
Cai Lingfeng, the company's founder, has a background at the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). He brings expertise in aerospace and fintech. Bluelink Satcom acknowledges only one direct competitor, Seattle-based Hubble Network, which also aims for global coverage with a constellation of 96 satellites by 2028. Bluelink Satcom believes its deep integration with China's Bluetooth ecosystem will enable faster domestic scaling.
Existing satellite IoT providers like Swarm, Lacuna Space (using LoRaWAN), and Astrocast (offering two-way communication) offer low-power connectivity. However, they rely on proprietary hardware or protocols, unlike Bluelink Satcom's approach. This initiative aligns with the Chinese government's support for the commercial space sector and various provincial and city initiatives to attract and nurture space companies.