A Bitcoin Lightning satellite invoice is a Lightning Network payment request transmitted via satellite; Printer (@Printer_Gobrrr) successfully relayed a Lightning invoice (QR) over geostationary QO-100, demonstrating that Lightning Network satellite invoice relays enable off-grid payment requests without internet access.
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First successful public relay of a Lightning invoice over geostationary QO-100 satellite
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Invoice image was transmitted using AMSAT-DL Multimedia HS Modem and decoded on downlink.
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Demonstrates off-grid resilience: Lightning Network satellite invoice capability supports remote or censored environments.
Bitcoin Lightning satellite invoice: first successful geostationary relay (QO-100). Learn how it worked and why off-grid Lightning matters.
What is a Bitcoin Lightning satellite invoice and why does it matter?
A Bitcoin Lightning satellite invoice is a Lightning Network payment request (usually a QR or BOLT11 string) transmitted via satellite rather than the internet. This method enables users to receive Lightning payment requests in off-grid or censored environments, improving resilience and access to Bitcoin payments.
How was the Lightning invoice relayed through space?
A Bitcoin Lightning invoice was generated on a local wallet and converted into an image file (QR). The image was uploaded to an AMSAT-DL Multimedia HS Modem, which handled digital modulation for uplink to the QO-100 / Es’hail-2 geostationary satellite.
The ground setup included a parabolic dish and a transmission chain sending the digital signal into the satellite’s digital transponder. The satellite downlinked the transmitted image, where it was decoded by AMSAT-DL modem software and scanned with a Lightning wallet to reveal the payment request.
Who performed the test and what equipment was used?
Bitcoin user Printer (@Printer_Gobrrr) conducted the test. Equipment included a parabolic dish, AMSAT-DL Multimedia HS Modem, digital transponder access on QO-100 / Es’hail-2, and a Lightning wallet for scanning the QR decoded from the downlink.
Is this the first Bitcoin transaction via satellite?
No. The first known Bitcoin transaction involving satellite infrastructure occurred in August 2019 via Blockstream Satellite and SpaceChain efforts. This new relay is noteworthy because it specifically demonstrates a Lightning Network invoice transmitted over a geostationary amateur satellite transponder.
Relaying Lightning Network invoice through space
The relay process converted a Lightning invoice into an image file, loaded the image into an AMSAT-DL Multimedia HS Modem, and used digital modulation to uplink to the QO-100 satellite transponder. The downlink was decoded and the QR scanned with a Lightning wallet.
Equipment and procedure matched amateur satellite transmission standards; transmissions were decoded using open AMSAT-DL modem software. This confirms the practical feasibility of a Bitcoin Lightning satellite invoice relay for off-grid communication.
Interstellar money: What does this prove about Bitcoin resilience?
This (likely) historic invoice relay shows Bitcoin’s adaptability for off-grid finance. Distributing payment requests via satellite means users in remote regions, disaster zones, or restricted regimes can obtain Lightning payment requests even without terrestrial internet.
Expert context: earlier satellite-based Bitcoin broadcasts (Blockstream Satellite, SpaceChain) demonstrated blockchain distribution via space. This Lightning-specific relay adds the ability to transfer payment requests — an important layer for real-world payments.
| Feature | On-grid (Internet) | Off-grid (Satellite relay) |
|---|---|---|
| Invoice delivery | Instant via web/QR | Delivered via satellite image downlink |
| Settlement requirement | Connected Lightning node | Still requires node connectivity for settlement |
| Censorship resistance | Depends on local ISP | Higher, satellite transponder bypasses terrestrial blocks |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I scan a Lightning invoice received via satellite?
Decode the received image using AMSAT-DL modem software, save the resulting QR or BOLT11 string, then open your Lightning wallet and use its scan/import function to load the invoice for payment. Ensure the invoice remains valid and your node can route the payment.
Will Lightning settlement occur over satellite?
Settlement itself requires network connectivity between Lightning nodes. The satellite relay distributes the payment request off-grid; actual route formation and settlement still use Lightning nodes on the internet or private networks.
Key Takeaways
- Feasibility demonstrated: A Lightning Network invoice was successfully relayed over QO-100 using AMSAT-DL tools.
- Off-grid distribution: Satellite relays enable invoice delivery in remote or censored areas, improving resilience.
- Settlement caveat: Invoice delivery is offline-capable, but final Lightning settlement still depends on connected nodes.
Conclusion
The successful relay of a Bitcoin Lightning invoice via the QO-100 geostationary satellite underscores the Lightning Network satellite invoice concept as a practical tool for off-grid finance. COINOTAG will monitor further experiments that bridge amateur satellite communications and Layer-2 Bitcoin payments, advancing resilient payment infrastructure.
Published: 2025-09-10 | Updated: 2025-09-10 | Author: COINOTAG
