TL;DR
- SkySafe pays crypto rewards to decentralize its drone detection network.
- Users host sensors at home, expanding coverage beyond traditional methods.
- The model aims to overcome past failures of similar token projects.
SkySafe, a drone defense company from San Diego, now pays people with cryptocurrency to host its detection sensors. The firm, which has financial backing from Andreessen Horowitz, already provides drone-tracking data to law enforcement and infrastructure operators. Its new FliteGrid program aims to create a wider, more distributed surveillance system.
The company traditionally built and managed its own sensor networks. This approach created coverage gaps and required large capital investments to expand. Grant Jordan, SkySafe’s CEO, explained the company could not scale the infrastructure alone. The new program adopts a DePIN model (decentralised physical infrastructure network). This model uses crypto rewards to encourage individuals to operate hardware.
SkySafe built its network on the Solana blockchain
People can purchase a sensor for $949. The device is scheduled to start shipping in the spring. Participants earn points for hosting the sensor and providing data. These points will convert into a dedicated token, called FLITE, in 2027. Jordan did not specify how long it would take a user to recover the initial cost of the hardware.
Previous projects, like Helium, promised crypto rewards for hosting wireless hotspots. Some of these efforts encountered weak consumer demand. Many early users ended up with hardware that generated minimal earnings. SkySafe must now convince the public its model can deliver real value.
Drone use in the United States has grown substantially. Rules for drone operation have increased over the last five years. Federal authorities now require remote identification for most unmanned aerial vehicles. As of October 2024, nearly 800,000 drones were registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.
These aircraft serve many purposes. E-commerce companies like Amazon use them for commercial delivery. First responders deploy drones for search-and-rescue missions. However, people also use drones for unauthorized surveillance of critical infrastructure. Military forces, including the US Department of Defense, also employ the technology.
Jordan stated that drones vary greatly in size and function. He described a range from small toy models to large, jet-size vehicles. This diversity complicates universal detection. Current solutions are fragmented, using different sensors and technologies. Jordan said it is difficult to separate normal drone traffic from actual threats. The company hopes its expanded sensor grid will help solve this problem.”
