This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, I sat down with Art Tkachenko from Hubble Network for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious developments in IoT: connecting Bluetooth devices directly to satellites in orbit.
Hubble Network has launched a constellation of satellites capable of receiving signals from standard low-cost Bluetooth chips, opening the door to global asset tracking without expensive cellular hardware or traditional satellite radios. Art explains how Hubble combines terrestrial and satellite infrastructure to create seamless IoT connectivity for logistics, industrial monitoring, livestock tracking, critical infrastructure, wildfire detection, and more.
The conversation explores the technical breakthroughs that made this possible, including beamforming, FPGA-based signal processing, ultra-low-power communications, and how Hubble achieves satellite connectivity using hardware that can cost just a few dollars. Art also shares the realities of building and operating satellites, the lessons learned from launching Hubble’s first spacecraft, and the excitement of seeing the first successful signals arrive from orbit.
We also discuss the broader implications for Ambient IoT, developer ecosystems, and why reducing infrastructure complexity is critical for the future of connected devices. We touch on AI-assisted software development, the future of edge computing, and how developer-first platforms may accelerate innovation across the industry.
If you care about IoT, wireless innovation, space technology, or the future of global connectivity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Art's Top 3 Songs
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHi9mKq0slA
- “Mushroom Jazz” by Mark Farina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6k0FlHGrZE
- “Bicycle” by VAVAN: youtube.com/watch?v=9HNorccyEno&feature=youtu.be
Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.
Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon who delivers asset tracking and condition monitoring using the devices your team already carries.