April 2026 Update

🧠 Firmware & System Stability

🛰 I2C Bus Stabilization

As discussed in our previous update, much of this month’s work was focused on stabilizing the I2C bus.

The I2C bus is a critical communication layer inside the safe. It handles:

• Sensor communication
• External camera configuration
• Power-related signaling

The camera video stream itself runs over MIPI CSI, which handles the image data. However, all configuration commands, sensor data signals, and certain power instructions run over I2C.

We are happy to announce that the I2C bus is now fully stable.

We are also able to confirm that the data lines for memory and the power management issues were successfully fixed in the new PCBA, which is a major win for us.

Now that I2C has been stabilized, we are one step closer to moving toward mass production.

By stabilizing I2C, it ensures:

• Reliable sensor data
• Proper camera configuration
• Stable power signaling
• Predictable system-wide behavior

🧩 PCBA Update

We have now been able to confirm that all of the following are working properly with the new PCBA and the new firmware:

• Power management
• Charging logic
• Peripheral communication
• Sensor behavior
• Camera configuration
• System boot sequencing

According to the Ukrainian team, the following items remain before production readiness:

(✔️ = Complete, ❓ = Still needs to be completed)

• ✔️ & ❓ (✔️ for new firmware, ❓ for old firmware. At the moment, we are focused only on the new PCBA firmware) – Complete the separation of unified firmware and maintain two independent firmware builds (one per chip)

• ✔️ Finalize device tree updates

• ✔️ Validate power management configuration

• ✔️ Complete I2C bus debugging and fixes

• ✔️ Re-check communication with cameras and sensors

• ❓ (This has not been started yet) – Finalize door sensor driver or implement simplified polling method
(This was a new sensor missing from the last PCBA. The Chinese team never added this required sensor. Its purpose is to ensure the motor cannot lock the safe if the door is not fully closed. It was added to the new PCBA.)

• ❓ (Currently in progress) – Re-test battery charging for the main battery and attached USB devices

• ❓ (This begins after the door sensor is completed) – Run processor and memory stress tests

• ❓ (This begins after the door sensor is completed) – Run full system power stress tests

This is controlled engineering validation work. Until we stabilize what already exists to production standards, we cannot move into mass production.

⏳ Timeline Expectation

As mentioned in our last update, the team has remained focused on PCBA testing and validation. We now have a clearer picture of what remains before we can move forward confidently.

Much of the remaining work is now focused on final validation, stress testing, and completing the final sensor and charging checks required for production readiness.

While progress has been strong, there is still important work that must be completed before we can responsibly move into mass production. At this stage, we are still estimating approximately two more months of focused engineering work to finalize the remaining PCBA and firmware items.

This is not ideal for anyone, but it is controlled, measurable work that must be completed before we move forward.

We continue to receive emails asking when this will ship, but to be honest, it is difficult to provide an exact shipping date until the new PCBA and firmware are fully finalized and validated

💻 Software & System

Regarding the safe’s operating software, we continue refining both the Safe OS and the mobile app.

Our mobile app received several new updates this month that resolved multiple bugs and improved overall performance and user experience. The Safe OS has also seen major upgrades as we continue refining functionality, performance, and overall system behavior alongside the new PCBA testing.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes.

Pitching

As we previously shared, we are continuing to explore new investment opportunities to sell part of the company and bring in fresh capital. That includes pitches to investors and also pitch contests.

Some exciting news, last month, against more than 300 companies, we won #1 Best Product at a Ventures pitch competition.

We are hopeful this leads to additional investor meetings and stronger visibility for The Space Safe. Unfortunately, we do not have a video of the pitch itself, but we do have some photos from the event and the win below.

While we have not secured an investor yet, the process is ongoing and we are staying persistent. If for some reason these conversations do not result in funding, one of the alternatives we are evaluating is launching a Wefunder crowdfunding campaign. This is simply a backup route we may explore, and our goal is to give ourselves every possible chance to get the product into everyone’s hands.

We request that you please hold back from sending individual messages about delivery dates and refunds. We will continue to provide full updates through our monthly updates, so please stay tuned. Your understanding and patience during this crappy time is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

TLDR - SUMMARY

I2C bus stabilization is now complete, and we confirmed that memory data lines and power management issues were successfully fixed in the new PCBA.
USB communication is fully operational, allowing direct debugging, sensor testing, firmware uploads, and much faster development work.
Most core PCBA functions are now confirmed working properly with the new firmware, including power management, charging logic, sensors, cameras, and system boot sequencing.
A few final items still remain before production readiness, including the door sensor, charging validation, and full processor, memory, and power stress testing. We still estimate around two more months of focused engineering work before mass production readiness.
We estimate around two more months of focused engineering work before the new PCBA and firmware are fully validated for mass production readiness.
On the business side, we won #1 Best Product in a Ventures pitch competition against more than 300 companies, helping increase investor visibility while fundraising conversations continue.

Next update will be sent around (not before, and possibly after): June 4, 2026.
Thanks for your support!