Anyone can broadcast messages or files via the Blockstream Satellite network. The simplest way to do so is by using the form provided on the official Blockstream website.
Advanced users can utilize the Blockstream Satellite API to place, manage, review, and delete transmissions.
Tip: Anything you broadcast via the satellite network will be publicly viewable. If you want to send your message to a specific person or group of users, it is recommended that you encrypt the file you want to broadcast and distribute the public keys to the recipients by other means.
Add a Transmission to the Queue
1.
Visit the Blockstream Satellite transmission page and select Broadcast a Transmission.
2.
Enter your message or upload the file you want to broadcast. Then click Next: Bid Your Price.
3.
Enter your bid price and click Next: Get Your Authentication Code.
Note: The minimum bid for a transmission is 50 mSat/byte. The total price for your transmission is displayed on the left-hand side of the screen and will be adjusted depending on the bid you place. The higher your bid, the higher your message’s priority when it is added to the transmission queue.
4.
Store your transmission ID and authentication code in a secure location. You will need both if you want to delete your transmission request later. Then click Next: Pay Through Lightning.
Warning: Once you have submitted your transmission request, you cannot return to view your transmission ID and authentication code.
5.
Pay the invoice for your transmission using a Lightning-compatible wallet application, then click Finish. Once the payment is completed, your transmission will be added to the transmission queue and broadcasted via the Blockstream Satellite network.
Manage Your Transmission
Once you have submitted your transmission request, you can locate it in the table on the Blockstream Satellite transmission page using your transmission ID. Depending on the status of your transmission, it can be found under Queued, Sent, or Pending Payment.
If you wish to delete your transmission request, you can do so as long as the transmission has not been broadcasted yet.
1.
On the Blockstream Satellite transmission page, select Manage Transmission.
2.
Enter your transmission ID and authentication code to access your transmission. If no payment has been made yet, you can delete your transmission request. If your transmission is already paid for, you can re-prioritize it by changing the bid price.