Spacecoin is a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) that uses a constellation of blockchain-enabled nanosatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide secure, affordable, and censorship-resistant internet access to underserved and remote areas globally. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Spacecoin founder Tae Oh to learn more.
tae oh wallpaper
Can you tell me more about your background? Oh said:
“I founded Spacecoin to address one of the most persistent (and surprising) barriers in the digital economy: internet access. My background has always been at the intersection of blockchain and financial inclusion. Before Spacecoin, I founded Gluwa, which builds blockchain-based solutions for underserved markets, and Creditcoin, a layer-one blockchain that has facilitated millions of microloans across emerging economies. These experiences taught me that access to finance and internet access are inseparable. For people to benefit from digital tools designed to help them, that’s what prompted me to launch Spacecoin.
Establishment of the company
How did the idea for the company come about? Hey subscriber:
“The idea was born from seeing a disconnect between blockchain innovation and the infrastructure needed to support it. Creditcoin showed that decentralized credit rails can work, but only if people can reliably connect to the network. And in countries where millions remain offline, internet access is a bottleneck. Traditional telcos are not investing in rural areas where returns are low, and premium satellite services remain unaffordable and often out of reach. We saw an opportunity to apply the same decentralized model that has worked in finance to connectivity itself – DePIN which It operates via satellite where participation is open and rewards are distributed fairly.
Favorite memory
What is your favorite memory of working at the company so far? Oh reflected:
“Our launch The first satellite CTC-0with SpaceX in December 2024 was unforgettable. It has transformed Spacecoin from a concept into a reality that we are officially involved in the space industry. I think most of us grew up fascinated by outer space, so it was very surreal to watch our satellite being launched on a rocket to be deployed into orbit. It was an unforgettable experience!
Basic products
What are the company’s core products and features? Oh explained:
“Spacecoin is building a decentralized Internet stack. At its core will be low-Earth orbit nanosatellites that provide coverage directly from orbit. The system is also designed to integrate with other decentralized protocols. Through Walrus, users can access storage, while Creditcoin provides the financial rails for payments and building credit. Combined, these elements create an Internet stack where people can communicate, store data, and transact — all without relying on centralized providers. Together with the constellation, we’ve built Starmesh, a virtual satellite network Which allows private browsing through decentralized relay nodes.
The challenges you face
Have you faced any challenges in your industry recently, and how did you overcome those challenges? O confess:
“Satellite infrastructure is one of the most complex industries. Launch costs are high, spectrum licensing is difficult, and uncertainties around decentralization run deep. We have approached these challenges in three ways. First, by designing small, low-cost satellites that can scale incrementally rather than ordering billions up front. Second, by building partnerships in markets where governments see digital inclusion as a priority.”
Important milestones
What are some of the most important milestones achieved by the company? Ah, quoted:
“Our first major accomplishment was the launch of CTC-0 in December 2024, marking the beginning of direct space-to-Earth communication. In recent tests, we also successfully accomplished The world’s first end-to-end blockchain transaction relayed via nanosatellites“This proves the security of encryption in space.”
“Later this year, we plan to launch CTC-1, the next generation of three satellites, which will serve as proof that our model can be expanded.”
“Previously, through Gluwa, we have distributed over N100 billion worth of loans in Nigeria using Creditcoin Rails, demonstrating our financial class in action.”
Total addressable market
What is the total market size (TAM) that the company seeks to achieve? O Evaluation:
“Globally, more than 3 billion people are still not connected to the Internet. The broadband market is worth it More than $500 billion annuallyand the unconnected represent a TAM in the hundreds of billions. We are targeting markets like Nigeria, Indonesia and India where affordability is the constraint rather than demand. If we can connect even a small portion of this population, the upside will be transformative.
Differentiation from the competition
What distinguishes the company from its competitors? Oh confirmed:
“While often compared, we don’t see ourselves as competitors to companies like Starlink and OneWeb because we serve different markets with specific lifeline needs. Spacecoin was designed from the ground up to be decentralized, affordable, and censorship-resistant.”
“Our goal of a $2 a month pricing model speaks directly to underserved markets. The DePIN architecture means that no single actor controls the network or decides who can connect. By integrating with storage and financing protocols, Spacecoin is building a complete decentralized internet stack. This combination makes us more than just an ISP – we are building the foundation of an open internet.”
The company’s future goals
What are some future goals for the company? Oh concluded:
“By the end of the year, our priority is to launch CTC-1, a three-satellite constellation, to test satellite-to-satellite transmissions. By 2026, we plan to expand towards commercial coverage, with live satellite-to-satellite networks proving global reach. Along with technical advances, we aim to deepen partnerships with NGOs and governments, ensuring that connectivity is not only accessible, but also affordable and inclusive. In the long term, the goal is for Spacecoin to serve as the main protocol currency Open to global communication – a public good that anyone can join and build on.
