In a bold move that cements cryptocurrency’s role in the space industry, SpaceX has accepted Dogecoin (DOGE) as payment for rescheduling the highly-anticipated DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon. The announcement came from Samuel Reid, CEO of Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC), the driving force behind the initiative.
Mission rescheduling
Originally slated for launch on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2022, the DOGE-1 Mission encountered a setback due to technical hurdles. The satellite was not prepared in time for the Intuitive Machines IM-1 launch. To address this delay, GEC decided to pay SpaceX in Dogecoin for rescheduling the mission.
Reid emphasized that this delay does not imply the mission’s cancellation. Rather, it stems from incomplete requirements for the radio and the satellite. He assured enthusiasts that the DOGE-1 mission is very much alive and continuing, a message aimed at providing clarity and reassurance to those eagerly awaiting its progress.
Interplanetary commerce backed by Dogecoin
SpaceX initially made headlines when it announced plans for the “DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon” in 2021, marking the first instance of a meme-inspired cryptocurrency, Dogecoin, being accepted as full payment for a space mission. This pioneering step has far-reaching implications as it showcases the potential for cryptocurrency utilization beyond Earth’s orbit.
As part of the new arrangement, GEC secured a rebooking fee in Dogecoin, placing the DOGE-1 satellite on an open manifest basis. This flexible approach opens the door for potential launch dates, which may come after the IM-1 launch. The timing hinges on the satellite’s shipment from Exobotics UK to Maverick Space in the United States.
A vision for the future
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has consistently pushed the boundaries of space exploration and commerce. Accepting Dogecoin for the DOGE-1 Mission demonstrates the company’s commitment to embracing digital currency as a means of facilitating space missions and fostering interplanetary commerce.
SpaceX’s acceptance of Dogecoin as payment for rescheduling the DOGE-1 Mission to the Moon is a testament to the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency’s applications. It signifies a historic leap toward enabling financial transactions beyond the confines of our planet. With the DOGE-1 mission now back on track and cryptocurrency paving the way, the future of space exploration and commerce appears more interconnected than ever.
