“So much universe and so little time”. – Terry Pratchett
The outer-space has never failed to fascinate us. As technology excels, space organizations are exploring the potential of blockchain technology to improve space communications. Both major corporations and smaller private companies have started their journey towards incorporating blockchain technology and space exploration. Let us go through the different space bound projects that are already on the go.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration aims at using blockchain technology in space with its future plans for deep space analysis. NASA recently funded $330,000 USD to the University of Akron for the research of blockchain technology to improve space communications. The researchers at the university are working on developing RNCP (Resilient Networking and Computing Paradigm) for space exploration. When the team was asked about the research, they said blockchain technology could help design a safe and decentralized network for regulating the massive data for space exploration and science. Also, automating crucial operations can be easily dealt with and the robustness of data collection in space can be improved.
Space X
With its most recent success of launching the world’s most powerful rocket, The Falcon Heavy into space, Space X is now quite famous in the world of space technology. The company intends to build a constellation of 4425 broadband satellites in order to create a universal internet backbone. The low orbiting satellites are expected to be deployed into space by 2019 and will be used to create a mesh network of inter satellite links. Bitcoin.com says the prospect of this network is significant to blockchain technology, as it has the ability to utilize the working of bitcoin nodes globally.
Space Decentral
Space Decentral is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that utilizes blockchain technology to drive a citizen led social network for spacefaring initiatives. Dr Paolo Tasca, executive Director of the center for blockchain technologies at University of London, described this project as a global research lab where individuals and organizations can contribute knowledge, and revenue can be fairly shared among the contributors. The platform aims to expand human presence through blockchain technology in space by enabling participants to collaborate research efforts without organizational affiliation.
Qtum plus Spacechain
Recently Spacechain announced their mission to carry Qtum’s blockchain technology software into space using a small and cost friendly satellite called a Cubesat. The satellite will help build decentralized applications compatible with the Qtum’s blockchain ecosystem. The aim is to build such a platform that is totally decentralized, and restrict the issues that may come up with a centralized, government regulated technology.
Blockstream
Blockstream announced its mission to make bitcoin available to everyone regardless of their access to internet. The availability can be made possible by using Blockchain Satellite Network, a service that aims to broadcast bitcoin to everyone globally. The services will enable cryptocurrency access in places where there is no internet access. Currently, the satellite provides coverage to only four continents – Africa, South America, North America and Europe, but soon it is expected to spread globally.
Conclusion
The blockchain technology can prove beneficial to the space industry. Because of its transparent nature and the absence of a third party, blockchain technology can, in future, change the way the space system operates today.
NASA and many other organizations are already in sync, betting on the blockchain technology to improve space communications and thus conquer the vast and hidden reaches of outer space.
Feelium is a new blockchain project that has vast application in a number of fields. The platform offers smart contracts and escrow services based on blockchain technology to automatically regulate online activities.
