Key Points:
- Wingbits, a blockchain-based aviation data network, is launching a satellite with Spire Global during SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission.
- The satellite aims to validate flight data supplied by over 2,200 ground nodes and enhance precision.
- Enthusiasts from 90 countries contribute data, assisting Wingbits in competing against FlightAware and Flightradar24.
HONG KONG — Wingbits is gearing up to elevate its operations within the $22 billion aviation data sector by incorporating satellite-tracking functionalities. This Swedish startup is collaborating with Spire Global to deploy a satellite on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California later this month.
During an event at Consensus Hong Kong, Robin Wingardh, CEO and co-founder of Wingbits, articulated that the satellite will complement the extensive on-ground network of over 2,200 contributors managed by aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
The decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) incentivizes data sharing through rewards in Solana testnet tokens. Traditionally, competitors like FlightAware and Flightradar24 leverage data from enthusiasts without offering them compensation for their contributions, according to Wingardh.
Wingbits currently has contributors tracking approximately 120,000 distinct flights every day across more than 90 countries and envisions establishing a global network based on its rewarding framework, allowing users to redeem tokens for air miles and other perks.
Furthermore, the anticipated satellite will facilitate valid data verification from terrestrial sources, ensuring accuracy while also offering protection against potential “spoofing”. By correlating ground data with satellite information, Wingbits strives to outmatch the accuracy of existing services.
Recently, the company secured a second seed funding round, amassing $5.6 million from various investors including Borderless Capital and Bullish Capital.
