Current Date:February 22, 2025

Wingbits to Launch Satellite to Boost Flight Tracking Accuracy

Wingbits Expands into Aviation Data with Satellite Tracking Technology

HONG KONG — In a groundbreaking move that aims to revolutionize the aviation data sector, Wingbits, a pioneering company utilizing blockchain technology, is gearing up to introduce satellite-tracking capabilities to its operations. The ambitious Swedish startup is set to launch a satellite in collaboration with Spire Global, a leader in low-orbit satellite constellations. This satellite is scheduled to be deployed aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, which will take place in late February from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

During the recent Consensus Hong Kong event, Robin Wingardh, CEO and co-founder of Wingbits, elaborated on how the satellite will enhance the company’s existing network of over 2,200 on-the-ground nodes managed by dedicated flight enthusiasts worldwide. This innovative approach is part of a decentralized physical infrastructure network, also known as DePIN, that incentivizes data contributors with Solana testnet tokens.

Unlike traditional players in the flight-tracking industry, which rely on volunteer enthusiasts to gather data on aircraft movements without offering any compensation, Wingbits is committed to rewarding these contributors. Established companies like FlightAware and Flightradar24 typically sell flight data to various stakeholders, including aviation analytics firms, airlines, and insurers, while leaving the enthusiasts uncompensated for their valuable contributions. In contrast, Wingbits already boasts a network of data contributors from over 90 countries, collectively tracking approximately 120,000 unique flights daily.

The company’s vision includes the development of a global network underpinned by its reward system, which allows participants to exchange their tokens for enticing benefits such as air miles, airport lounge access, and various other services.

Wingardh highlighted that the upcoming satellite launch will empower the company to validate data collected from the ground, significantly enhancing the integrity of its information. By cross-referencing flight data gathered through the DePIN with satellite data, Wingbits aims to provide a safeguard against potential “spoofing,” thereby ensuring a higher level of accuracy compared to its competitors.

Recently, Wingbits successfully completed a second seed funding round, raising $5.6 million from notable investors including Borderless Capital, Bullish Capital (which is part of the Bullish Group that also owns CoinDesk), among others. This funding is expected to bolster Wingbits’ efforts in reshaping the aviation data landscape.

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