Bitcoin From Space: Blockstream CSO Explains Its Satellite Services

[MOProgress]

Bitcoin’s wireless broadcast footprint has been expanded substantially thanks to Blockstream’s most recently leased satellite.
The blockchain development firm confirmed it has leased a fifth satellite on Dec. 17, which is being used to broadcast the Bitcoin blockchain to the Asia Pacific region, in addition to existing coverage over Africa, Europe, South and North America.
The satellite service provides internet-free Bitcoin transactions and information sharing to crypto users across five continents.
Along with the announcement, Blockstream reportedly launched a new application programming interface (API) which enables the satellite network to transmit encrypted messages. Users are able to pay for this service using micropayments on the Lightning Network.
The move is an interesting one, as it removes the dependency on a physical internet connection through traditional ADSL connections and fibre optic networks.
More than Bitcoin
Blockstream CSO Samson Mow spoke to Cointelegraph following the announcement this week to unpack the ramifications of their extended satellite coverage and the possibilities it creates for potential blockchain-based projects.


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