In an experiment, a Bitcoin Lightning payment was sent via satellite communication for the first time. This step was made possible by AMSAT-DL, a satellite communications platform. The Lightning transaction signal was sent via this platform, including live monitoring and confirmation of the payment process.
đź’ĄBREAKING:
SOMEONE JUST SUCCESSFULLY SENT A #BITCOIN LIGHTNING PAYMENT OVER SATELLITE IN OUTER SPACE. pic.twitter.com/XBhfSoUFUa
— Crypto Rover (@rovercrc) September 10, 2025
This test demonstrates that Bitcoin remains viable even in scenarios without a stable network. Disaster areas, remote regions, or areas without internet coverage could still receive and send payments in the future.
The Lightning Network was developed for fast and low-cost micropayments. With its successful transmission into space, it once again proves its role as an essential tool for the global adoption of Bitcoin.
For developers and enthusiasts, this step is a symbol of the future. Bitcoin is envisioned as truly borderless money that functions even in extreme conditions and could one day even be used for interplanetary communication.
Another recent example of this use case of borderless communication was reported this week by a developer of Bitchat, a decentralized, encrypted communication platform based on Bitcoin.
Launched by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, it was downloaded explosively first in Indonesia and then in Nepal when the governments of both countries censored or blocked traditional communication platforms due to protests.
Last week, we observed a sudden spike in bitchat downloads from Indonesia during nationwide protests.
Today we're seeing an even bigger spike from Nepal during youth protests over government corruption and a social media ban.
Freedom tech is for the people. Please share. pic.twitter.com/IqhRa8eCvw
— calle (@callebtc) September 10, 2025
Bitchat uses a Bluetooth mesh network and operates entirely without central servers, accounts, or phone numbers. This allows the app to enable communication even when governments block traditional social media platforms or shut down the internet.
