Will Bitcoin and Blockchain drive a new Decentralization space race?

Author: Sandy Carter; Translated by: Block unicorn

Summary

• Blockchain technology democratizes space by shifting control from traditional institutions to public participation through the realization of decentralized ownership and governance.
• Major projects include SpaceCoin building a satellite-based blockchain network (DePIN) and Copernic Space tokenizing real-world space assets and lunar domain names.
• The TON blockchain selected civilian astronauts for Blue Origin's flights through on-chain voting, pioneering the concept of “space democracy” and allowing the global public to participate in space travel.

Foreword

From Bitcoin's first space transaction to tokenized lunar domain names, blockchain is driving a new decentralized space race, democratizing access and ownership.

When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronaut. I dreamed of floating in a zero-gravity environment, watching the Earth spin beneath me, and maybe one day even walking on the moon. Although I never went to space, my life took a fulfilling turn when I later worked at AWS, where I helped a partner land the “Rover” on Mars.

That experience made me realize that there are many ways to explore new fields, and today, one of the most exciting ways is not through rockets, but through code. Blockchain, a technology that started with digital currency, is now expanding into orbital space.

Space has always ignited the imagination of humanity. For decades, it has been the exclusive domain of governments, billionaires, and aerospace giants.

Today, a quiet revolution is bringing blockchain into the daily lives of everyone. Blockchain is transcending the financial sector and entering the space orbit, laying the foundation for a decentralized space economy.

What is decentralized space?

Decentralized space is the fusion of blockchain and space exploration. It utilizes smart contracts, tokenization, and decentralized governance, allowing anyone with a digital wallet to participate in the space economy.

Decentralized spaces no longer rely on a few large institutions, but allow communities, creators, and investors to collectively own and govern assets such as satellites, payloads, and even lunar missions. It brings transparency and inclusivity to areas that have long been exclusive, creating an open network that extends access and ownership beyond the Earth.

It combines space technology with the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and verifiable ownership of Web3, creating an open network that allows anyone to contribute to humanity's journey beyond Earth.

According to PwC's forecast, space will become the first new trillion-dollar asset class of the 21st century and the first asset class that can exist natively on the blockchain.

Why is decentralized space related to Bitcoin?

The origin of decentralized space can be traced back to Bitcoin. In 2019, SpaceChain's blockchain node was launched into space aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, entering orbit. This node achieved multi-signature transactions for Bitcoin in space, marking the first transaction of blockchain and Bitcoin in orbit. Bitcoin recently reached an all-time high, only to fall back down, just like a rocket!

This milestone proves that blockchain can operate beyond Earth and does not rely on ground infrastructure. It has sparked a series of projects exploring how digital assets and decentralized systems can support future space missions.

The venture that started with Bitcoin has now expanded into a complete ecosystem, where tokens, domain names, and smart contracts connect people to space in unprecedented ways.

Three pioneering projects are leading this transformation.

SpaceCoin is creating a blockchain infrastructure that operates via satellites.

Copernic Space is tokenizing space assets and digital domains related to lunar missions.

The Open Network (TON), which is the blockchain behind Telegram, supports on-chain voting to select real astronaut seats on Blue Origin flights.

They collectively demonstrate how the future of space can be shared by more people.

SpaceCoin and DePIN in orbit are more than just Bitcoin

The vision of SpaceCoin is simple yet radical. Its goal is to create a satellite network that directly transmits blockchain transactions through space, without relying on Earth's internet. In a recent test, SpaceCoin successfully achieved intercontinental data transmission solely through satellite links. This data is not just a signal; it is a blockchain record transmitted across orbits.

This concept belongs to a new category called Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). These projects use blockchain to drive real-world infrastructure rather than purely digital systems. The SpaceCoin network can serve remote areas, censored regions, and space devices that require secure communication without relying on terrestrial internet.

SpaceCoin showcases how DePIN operates in space at Token 2049 - Sandy Carter

Its impact is enormous.

At the Token 2049 conference, when I was chatting with SpaceCoin founder and CEO Taekyung Oh, he told me: “Space is the ultimate frontier of decentralization. With DePIN, we turn satellites into nodes of a global network, where connection, computation, and coordination transcend borders and even the Earth.”

If blockchain could operate in orbit, transaction, identity, and governance systems would no longer be limited by the Earth. Space-based blockchain could achieve global connectivity, resist censorship or natural disasters, and prepare for the era of interstellar communication. Although there are still many challenges, such as satellite costs, regulatory issues, and reliability, the concept of blockchain truly reaching the stars is no longer science fiction.

From Bitcoin to the Moon: Copernic Space and the Tokenized Space Economy - Sandy Carter

From Bitcoin to the Moon: Copernicus Space and Tokenized Space Economy

If SpaceCoin provides the infrastructure, then Copernic Space offers ownership and financial infrastructure to power this new economy. The company connects real-world space assets with global capital markets through blockchain technology, pioneering the tokenization of missions, payloads, and even digital identities, changing the way space assets are represented, financed, and traded.

Did you know? Copernic Space has partnered with SpaceChain to create a commercial marketplace for tokenized space assets. This collaboration is built on the foundation of SpaceChain's early work, which has demonstrated that blockchain technology represented by Bitcoin can operate beyond Earth.

Recently, Copernic Space collaborated with Unstoppable Domains (my employer) to launch the .LUNAR domain extension, which is the first domain linked to a real space mission. Each .LUNAR badge will be sent to the moon during the scheduled mission in 2026-2027. This turns each domain into a tokenized real-world asset related to space. Owning a domain means holding a verified digital identity that will truly fly beyond Earth.

Copernic Space has demonstrated how this model works in practice. Its commercialized rockets and the first lunar mission earlier this year have sold out, with over 2,000 tokenized payloads, including individuals and companies landing on the moon, generating revenue and providing returns for early participants.

In a conversation with Copernic Space CEO Grant Blaisdell, he told me: “Decentralization has returned space to humanity. For the first time, people around the world can own a small but meaningful share of the space industry. By combining blockchain with space missions and projects, we are creating a transparent, participatory ecosystem where the next great discovery belongs to everyone, not just a few institutions.”

Grant Blaisdell, CEO of Copernic Space, a pioneer in decentralized space - Grant Blaisdell

Copernic Space positions itself as a platform for buying, selling, and investing in tokenized space projects. This model opens the door for individuals to participate in the space economy through blockchain-based ownership. Its idea is to turn space into an open, accessible market where anyone can participate. It redefines our understanding of digital property. Instead of owning a website, one might own a domain name that represents a rocket, satellite, or lunar mission payload.

But this is not just limited to collectibles. By allowing fractional ownership of real-world assets and infrastructure, Copernic Space makes participation in the space economy more transparent, liquid, and inclusive. While regulations around space ownership are still evolving, a shift is already underway.

For the first time, space is becoming a market that belongs to everyone, not just governments and large corporations.

TON, SERA and the New Space Democracy

While SpaceCoin is dedicated to infrastructure development and Copernic Space focuses on assets, TON is committed to opening direct access to space. The TON Foundation is the organization behind the Telegram blockchain, and it has partnered with the United States Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to launch a mission control center.

The program utilizes blockchain to select true civilian astronauts for Blue Origin flights through an on-chain voting system.

SERA has secured six seats for the upcoming New Shepard mission to be executed in 2026. Five of these seats are reserved for citizens of underrepresented countries such as India, Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The sixth seat will be awarded to a global participant elected through voting on the TON blockchain. Participants use the built-in TON wallet in Telegram to earn points and cast votes. Each vote will be recorded on the blockchain to ensure transparency and fairness.

Max Crown, Chairman and CEO of the TON Foundation, is a pioneer of the next generation of decentralized space.

“SERA is not just an ordinary cryptocurrency project, but a truly unique plan. It's more like an experiment, exploring the spark between cryptocurrency and an experience-driven, participatory culture,” said Max Crown, President and CEO of the TON Foundation. “They are actually taking people into space; as long as you have Telegram and a wallet, you can participate. It's crazy. I've always believed that people are not just focused on how technology works, but on the functions it provides and the feelings it brings them. That's what matters most. We're not talking about using technology to change lives, but truly practicing it. This is the moment when blockchain transforms from a mere technology into an experience.”

This initiative is of historical significance. It marks the first time that blockchain technology directly influences who can access space. This plan no longer relies on government committees or corporate sponsors, but is open to the world. TON calls it “space democracy,” where users can win opportunities for space travel by participating in a transparent tokenization process.

Its significance goes beyond a single task.

It demonstrates how blockchain extends inclusivity from the financial system to space exploration. The integration of TON with Telegram has given it a massive audience, bringing billions closer to their space dreams. This is not just about technology; it's about participation.

Future Outlook on the Decentralized Space of Bitcoin and Blockchain

The road ahead is not smooth sailing, and regulation remains the biggest unknown.

There is currently no clear answer to the question of who will manage tokenized lunar assets and how responsibilities will operate in orbit. Technical barriers such as satellite lifespan, launch costs, and communication delays will challenge every innovation.

Market adoption also depends on the real utility beyond speculative hype.

This also involves ethical issues. Space must not become another place of inequality or exploitation. If blockchain opens up participation in space, it must be done fairly and sustainably. Emerging industries need to strike a balance between ambition and responsibility.

Although there are challenges, the direction is clear.

The space economy is rapidly expanding, and blockchain is becoming a part of its infrastructure. SpaceCoin, Copernic Space, and TON are showcasing how decentralization can make this final frontier more open and inclusive.

This is important because it marks a shift in power and possibilities. Technology that once made finance more inclusive is now bringing about the same changes for exploration and discovery.

With the development of these projects, we may soon witness the first blockchain transaction from orbit, the first domain name landing on the moon, and the first astronaut elected entirely through decentralized voting.

The distance between cyberspace and outer space is shrinking. The blockchain and Bitcoin revolution has officially left Earth's orbit.