A case for BTC satellite nodes

by · July 13, 2022

A Bitcoiner in Brazil has sent the blockchain from space. Mauricio Cessere, product manager at Ledn and a Venezuelan citizen, has established the alleged first Bitcoin (BTC) satellite full node in Brazil.

The complete satellite node established by Cessere downloads the Bitcoin blockchain directly from the Blockstream Satellite Network, eliminating the need for a reliable Internet connection. It is a small step for Bitcoin’s network of nodes, but a big leap for Bitcoin adoption, which shows that those in remote or hard-to-reach areas can run nodes.

Cessere poses with the dish that receives the Bitcoin blockchain. Source: Cessere

A refresh for the new to nodes: a Bitcoin full node is software that continuously monitors the blockchain and its complete transaction history. A full node prohibits illegitimate transactions and prevents attempts to use Bitcoin twice, known as “double consumption”. Cessere explains that nodes “give their owners decentralized access to the only uncensored monetary network we know today.”

But until 2020, setting up a Bitcoin node (sometimes called a Bitcoin peer, as Bitcoin is a “peer-to-peer version of electronic cash”) was entirely dependent on local ISPs. Thanks to upgrades to the Bitcoin company Blockstream’s satellite network, Bitcoin believers around the world can download a full node without an Internet connection.

The satellite receiver from novra technologies. Source: Cessere

But why does it matter? As Cessere explains: “Satellite full nodes are the next step in further decentralizing the Bitcoin network,” adding:

“The use case for satellite full nodes could not have been brighter. A few offline access points of these can completely connect remote communities to Bitcoin, even those without prior internet access.”

This is a compelling case for satellite nodes, especially in countries struggling with unstable authorities, unreliable internet connections and weak digital infrastructure. In fact, a full satellite node can help more emerging countries and individuals without internet connections to contribute and eventually join the Bitcoin network.

Bitcoin Gandalf (not his real name), from Brain’s Bitcoin mining company, explained to the Cointelegraph that “the use of the Blockstream satellite provides an extra level of redundancy should more traditional connection methods be interrupted.”

In neighboring Venezuela, for example, a Bitcoin satellite node was installed in 2020. Venezuela benefits from a robust infrastructure of satellite networks that, as Cecere explains, “can be used to extend Bitcoin’s offline signal on earth.”

Cecere connected to a Blockstream satellite from his home country, after the TV network provider DirecTV left the country:

“I recycled a plate that DirecTV had installed in my parents’ home more than 10 years ago and turned it into an access point to the most powerful monetary network on earth. It is to experience the power of limitless money at its ultimate in the flesh!”

Venezuela is an increasingly pro-cryptocurrency nation, which has experienced high levels of inflation since 2016. Across the border with Brazil, there is another hotbed for adoption, especially in light of a new bill proposing the protection of private keys and the legalization of crypto. payments. The ability to run a satellite node in these countries as a disconnected connection point is a boon to adoption and network resilience.

For Cessere’s satellite node in Venezuela, he “modernized” the dish with a clothesline to help download the blockchain. Source: Cessere

The Brazilian satellite node Cessere built is connected from a family member’s house in Santos, just south of Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo. If the node runs successfully, the intention is to “port the equipment to the Fundação Parque Tecnológico de Santos Gustavo,” a technology and innovation park where it will remain permanently connected as an offline connection point.

Related: Bitcoin Lightning Network developer updates node software with Taproot support

However, the Bitcoin room signal has some limitations. Cessere explains that it is a “one-way street, since you can only download data from it, but not force anyone; therefore they are not able to broadcast transactions to the network.”

In the future, Blockstream may introduce an even more advanced version of their satellite equipment that can enable those with extremely limited access to the Internet – such as crypto mining companies in remote destinations – to connect to Bitcoin.

Then, and only then, will Bitcoin take on the mantle as “room money”.