"Wingbits Launches Satellite to Revolutionize Aviation Data Industry"

Wingbits, a Swedish startup leveraging blockchain technology, is set to revolutionize the aviation data industry by launching a satellite in collaboration with Spire Global. The satellite, part of SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, will enhance the accuracy of flight tracking data provided by Wingbits' decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN).

The satellite, scheduled for launch in late-February from Vandenburg Space Force Base in California, will complement Wingbits' existing network of over 2,200 ground-based nodes managed by flight enthusiasts worldwide. This decentralized approach allows Wingbits to compete with established players like FlightAware and Flightradar24, while rewarding data providers with Solana testnet tokens.

Wingbits' CEO and co-founder, Robin Wingardh, discussed the launch at Consensus Hong Kong, highlighting the company's unique reward system that allows tokens to be exchanged for air miles, airport lounge access, and other services. This system aims to create a worldwide network of data contributors, currently spanning over 90 countries and tracking around 120,000 unique flights daily.

The satellite will play a crucial role in verifying data from the ground, protecting against "spoofing" by cross-checking flight data from the DePIN against data from the satellite. This cross-verification process will ensure Wingbits' information is more accurate than its competitors'.

Wingbits recently closed a second seed round, raising $5.6 million from investors such as Borderless Capital and Bullish Capital. The funding will support the company's continued growth and expansion in the $22 billion aviation data industry.