BitMEX Launches Spaceship Carrying Physical Bitcoin to the Moon
Crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX has announced the launch of Vulcan Centaur, a lunar rocket carrying a crypto wallet containing one physical Bitcoin. The spaceship launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and is set to reach the Moon on February 23.
The physical Bitcoin and the space crew accompanying it will be carried by robotic company Astrobotic Technology’s spacecraft Peregrine-1 after completing its separation from Vulcan Centaur, BitMEX said in a press release published Saturday.
The company noted that the physical BTC is also a crypto wallet containing at least 1 BTC. The wallet will have a public vanity address, meaning that anyone can send the wallet extra Bitcoin during its journey to the Moon.
The Peregrine Mission One seeks to become the first United States moon landing mission since Apollo 11 in 1969.
In the press release, BitMEX CEO Stephan Lutz said that the Bitcoin Moon mission was a “time capsule” that would represent “one of the most significant human innovations and technological advancements.”
Peregrine Encounters Propulsion Issues
Shortly after the launch, Astrobotic reported its spacecraft suffered “critical” propellant loss from a fuel leak and said it is abandoning its attempt to put the Peregrine on the Moon. However, mission controllers were able to reorient Peregrine’s solar array towards the Sun, allowing it to charge its batteries. The original propulsion issue still needs to be fixed before touchdown on the Moon can be attempted using onboard thrusters and leftover propellant.
Hot Take: Challenges Faced by Bitcoin on Its Journey to the Moon
The launch of Vulcan Centaur carrying a physical Bitcoin to the Moon represents an exciting milestone in space exploration. This mission not only showcases technological advancements but also symbolizes the potential for decentralized finance to transcend earthly boundaries and empower individuals across the cosmos. However, the journey has encountered challenges with propulsion issues and fuel leaks, forcing Astrobotic to abandon its original plan. Despite these setbacks, the team is working diligently to stabilize the situation and explore alternative mission profiles. The perseverance demonstrated in addressing these obstacles highlights the determination to make this historic Bitcoin Moon mission a success.
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