Spacecoin Tests Blockchain Data Transfer via Satellite

U.S. startup Spacecoin successfully sent encrypted data through space, aiming to offer a decentralized alternative to Starlink.

U.S.-based startup Spacecoin has announced the successful transmission of encrypted data via satellite, marking what it claims is an industry first. The test involved sending blockchain-based information from Chile to the Azores, covering over 7,000 kilometers through space. Unlike conventional satellite internet services, Spacecoin’s model bypasses terrestrial infrastructure entirely. The company positions this achievement as a step toward building a decentralized network for secure communication and payments.

Aiming Beyond Connectivity: Decentralization as a Core Principle

Founder Tae Oh stated that Spacecoin targets regions where internet access is unreliable, censored, or prohibitively expensive. In contrast to Starlink’s centralized architecture, Spacecoin envisions a system that allows open participation without relying on traditional service providers. Transactions on its network are verified against blockchain records, automatically rejecting inconsistencies. This approach is designed to prevent tampering, interception, or falsification of data during transmission.

The test was conducted in partnership with Bulgarian microsatellite manufacturer EnduroSat, using a nanosatellite launched in December 2024. Operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes up to 2,000 km, the satellite successfully relayed data without touching ground-based internet. While J.P. Morgan previously tested blockchain payments between satellites, Spacecoin’s trial is notable for fully avoiding terrestrial networks. The firm plans to deploy three additional satellites by the end of 2025 to expand its coverage.

Building for Developers, Not Just End Users

Beyond general consumers, Spacecoin is targeting developers, telecom providers, NGOs, and infrastructure partners. The goal is to create a platform where applications can be built atop a secure, decentralized satellite network. According to Oh, this could enable new forms of communication and financial services in areas underserved by conventional broadband. The system’s design emphasizes resilience and autonomy, particularly in politically or economically constrained environments.

Daily internet users may benefit from enhanced privacy and integrity, as the blockchain-based verification process ensures that transmitted data remains authentic. Payments and messages sent through the network are protected from manipulation or surveillance. This could be especially relevant in regions with strict censorship or limited digital rights. Spacecoin’s model offers an alternative pathway for secure digital interaction beyond the reach of centralized authorities.

Spacecoin’s Satellite Rode a SpaceX Rocket

Although Spacecoin positions itself as a rival to Starlink, its first satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket. This highlights the complex interdependence within the space industry, where even competitors may rely on shared infrastructure. The startup remains a small player compared to Starlink’s fleet of over 8,000 satellites. However, its focus on decentralization and blockchain integration sets it apart in a rapidly evolving satellite internet market.