New Paper Explores Cryptocurrency for Space Colonies
Blockchains in space? According to one research paper published by the Indian government, the idea isn’t so far-fetched.
:format(jpg)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/coindesk/YBJ65JYALBDEFDNPTDKHS7LEHA.jpg)
(IM_photo/Shutterstock)
Blockchains in space?
According to one research paper published by an Indian government official, the idea isn’t so far-fetched.
Dr Kartik Hegadekatti of India’s Ministry of Railways posits in a new paper, entitled “Extra-Terrestrial Applications of blockchains and Cryptocurrencies”, that the tech could provide the basis for a space-based money in lieu of paper money or physical coins. Hegadekatti works for the ministry's Commercial Department.
Hegadekatti has written about cryptocurrencies in the past, exploring how a ‘NationCoin’ could be issued by a country in a paper from August. The paper's timing is notable, given India's controversial push away from paper currency and a rise in bitcoin purchase activity in the country.
Though the concept sounds a bit far-fetched and entirely speculative – humans have only set foot on the Moon a handful of times, and to date no manned mission has been launched to Mars – Hegadekatti argues that launching paper or coin-based monies into space is impractical given their cost and weight.
According to Hegadekatti, each planet or moon-based colony in the solar system could, in theory, have their own blockchains, synced together.
He wrote:
Even cryptocurrency mining – the process by which new transactions are added to the blockchain – could be performed in space.
"Powerful microprocessors embedded in objects flown to (or created on) Mars can do 'smart mining' and provide the basis for a money exchange system. Machines containing embedded chips will 'smart mine' cryptocurrencies which can be used for Extra-Terrestrial transactions," he wrote, concluding:
Image via Shutterstock
DISCLOSURE
Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.
The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.
Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.