No WiFi? No Problem. China’s Bluetooth Satellite Is Changing The Game!

A Beijing-based startup is looking to change how we think about Bluetooth technology, after raising early investment to launch China’s first Bluetooth-enabled satellite.

Bluelink Satcom, officially known as Beijing Lanying Xingtong Technology Co., Ltd, has closed an angel+ funding round worth between $3 million and $13 million. The round, announced on 25 March, was led by LinGe Ventures and also included Hongfu Capital.

First-of-Its-Kind Bluetooth Satellite To Launch In 2025

The company plans to use the funding to design, launch and operate its first satellite, as well as expand its team. The mission is to create a network capable of detecting low-power Bluetooth signals from space; something that’s never been done before in China.

The satellites will not offer two-way communication. Instead, they’ll pick up one-way data from Bluetooth-only devices like tags and sensors. This setup can be especially useful in remote areas lacking power or communication infrastructure.

Bluelink Satcom says the system can help automate monitoring tasks in sectors such as weather emergencies, traffic flow, and infrastructure like bridges and buildings. The goal is to reduce the need for manual checks.

No New Hardware Needed, Just A Software Update

Unlike some existing satellite IoT systems, Bluelink’s technology won’t require users to install any special hardware. Devices can connect to the satellite simply by updating their Bluetooth software, a process that can be done wirelessly through firmware upgrades.

The company’s satellites will carry a highly sensitive payload designed to pick up faint Bluetooth signals from hundreds of kilometres away. This could allow for wide-area, low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) coverage that’s energy-efficient and easy to deploy.

Launch Timeline And Future Plans

Bluelink Satcom is aiming to send its first satellite payload into orbit by late June or early July 2025. By the end of the year, four satellites should be operational, helping verify the technical capabilities of the system.

The long-term goal is to have 72 satellites in orbit by the close of 2028. This would enable revisit times of just a few minutes, making near real-time data updates possible.

Industry Background And Competition

Founded in October 2023, the company is still relatively under the radar. However, Chinese media report that its founder, Cai Lingfeng, brings expertise from the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, part of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). He also has a background in fintech.

Bluelink previously raised capital in 2024 from Qiji Chuangtan and Gaojie Capital.

In terms of competition, Bluelink says only one other company is targeting the same technology, Seattle-based Hubble Network. Hubble is also planning a 2028 rollout for its constellation of 96 satellites.

Bluelink hopes its strong ties to China’s large and growing Bluetooth ecosystem will give it an edge in scaling its network more quickly within the country.

Growing Space Investment In China

The startup’s progress comes amid growing support from China’s central government for commercial space ventures. Several local governments are also actively seeking to attract space-related businesses by introducing development incentives and action plans.