With its first satellite demo complete, Spacecoin takes a major step toward building a blockchain-powered communications network that rivals Starlink—without central control.
A Blockchain Transaction, Beamed Across the Planet
In a milestone for both space-based networking and blockchain technology, Spacecoin has successfully transmitted an encrypted blockchain transaction via satellite, marking the first major test in its effort to create a decentralized communications network.
- The demo involved sending cryptographic data from Chile to Portugal via Spacecoin’s first satellite, CTC-0.
- The transaction confirmed the satellite’s ability to maintain data integrity in orbit — a core requirement for the company’s long-term vision of a permissionless, tokenized space network.
“This was the main mission of CTC-0… and I’m glad to share that it fulfilled its purpose,” said Tae Oh, Spacecoin’s founder, in a video posted to X.
The Birth of a Decentralized Space Network
Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare in December 2024, CTC-0 was built by Endurosat and represents the first prototype in Spacecoin’s ambitious roadmap.
- The next launch will feature CTC-1, a trio of larger satellites aimed at improving bandwidth and encryption capacity.
- Eventually, Spacecoin plans to deploy a constellation of increasingly powerful satellites to form the basis of what it calls Starmesh — a decentralized, tokenized internet access platform.
What Sets Spacecoin Apart from Starlink
While Starlink has raced ahead in satellite broadband, launching over 8,000 satellites and serving millions of users, its infrastructure remains centrally managed by SpaceX.
In contrast, Spacecoin’s model is decentralized:
- Tokenized Access: Users will pay for bandwidth and services using Creditcoin, a blockchain also created by Oh’s financial firm, Gluwa.
- Encrypted Traffic: Data sent over the network will be end-to-end encrypted and untraceable.
- Decentralized Web Access: Users will be able to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain platforms without traditional internet bottlenecks or surveillance.
The company envisions “permissionless connectivity” where internet access is:
- Censorship-resistant
- Independent of terrestrial monopolies
- Globally accessible, even in underserved or politically restricted regions
Infrastructure for the Unbanked and Unconnected
Spacecoin’s mission draws on Oh’s previous work with Gluwa, which offers blockchain-based financial services in emerging markets. The integration with Creditcoin allows users to:
- Pay for internet access directly via blockchain
- Conduct financial transactions across borders with minimal infrastructure
- Support offline-first economies in regions plagued by poor internet coverage
This could be transformative in areas where political censorship, high costs, or weak infrastructure limit digital access.
What’s Next for Spacecoin?
Following the success of CTC-0, the company plans to:
- Launch CTC-1 — a group of three upgraded satellites
- Begin expanding the Starmesh network into functional use cases
- Onboard early adopters and developers to build tools atop the blockchain-powered infrastructure
With SpaceX, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and others competing for dominance in satellite internet, Spacecoin is betting on a different future — one where the next generation of internet infrastructure isn’t owned, but distributed.
