Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin has announced a partnership with Shift4 Payments allowing customers to pay for space travel using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Cryptocurrency for Space Travel
According to a Monday press release, tickets for the New Shepard space flights can now be purchased with Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, USDt, and USD Coin. Blue Origin, which has flown over 75 passengers past the Kármán Line, will accept direct payments from popular wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase.
Blockchain Beyond Earth
Blockchain has already made its mark beyond Earth's atmosphere in both cultural and technical forms. In 2022, Azuki made headlines by sending its character 'Bobu the Bean Farmer' into space as part of a SpaceX/NASA mission, merging digital collectibles with real-world space exploration. In 2020, Spacechain completed what it called the first multisignature Bitcoin transaction from the International Space Station, demonstrating how blockchain can operate off-planet.
Other Space Projects Utilizing Cryptocurrency
Space projects related to blockchain also extend beyond crypto payments. Telecom startup World Mobile is launching a 5G network using hydrogen-powered drones, which will provide wireless communication at high altitudes. Additionally, Blue Origin previously launched blockchain platform Tron founder Justin Sun on its mission, where he paid $28 million for a seat, part of which went to support space initiatives.
The collaboration between Blue Origin and Shift4 Payments opens new avenues for cryptocurrency use in space travel, highlighting the growing influence of blockchain across various facets of life, including scientific and cultural initiatives.
