Founded in 2017, SpaceChain is building an open and neutral infrastructure for the New Space Economy by integrating space and blockchain technologies. Our vision is to remove barriers and allow a global community to access and collaborate in space.

SpaceChain also offers space-as-a-service for modern businesses, enabling companies to explore and realise the great potential of space and blockchain. We also engage in grant-funded research to promote the acceleration of technology advancement.

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

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The SpaceChain Journey

2018

01 Feb

Feb 2018

Launched the 1st Qtum-based blockchain node into space on 2 Feb 2018.

06 Mar

Mar 2018

Finished Qtum integration on the SpaceChain OS.

05 May

May 2018

Started integration of Ethereum (ETH) on the SpaceChain OS to enable support of ETH and its Dapps.

07 Jul

Jul 2018

Released the SpaceChain OS documents on GitHub.

21 Aug

Aug 2018

Completed the final version of the space node hardware board for the second launch.

10 Oct

Oct 2018

Completed the development of the hardware board. The second-generation Qtum-based blockchain node was launched into space on 25 Oct 2018.

18 Nov

Nov 2018

Started testing the functions of the space node in orbit. Started business in the United Kingdom with SpaceChain UK.

2019

05 Jan

Jan 2019

Performed the first space-based transaction on the Qtum blockchain.

04 Apr

Apr 2019

Opened operations in the United Kingdom and explored opportunities in Europe’s commercial space ecosystem.

09 Sep

Sep 2019

SpaceChain UK awarded a grant from the European Space Agency for blockchain satellite technology.

10 Oct

Oct 2019

Created the first Bitcoin wallet hardened for use in space.

20 Dec

Dec 2019

Launched the 3rd payload aboard a SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station on Dec 5 2019.

2020

09 May

May 2020

Partnered with Core Semiconductor to produce an open hardware platform for direct satellite-to-devices communication.

10 Jun

June 2020

Executed the first multisignature blockchain transaction in space as part of the ESA Kick-start Activity program.

10 Oct

Oct 2020

Collaborated with Elecnor DEIMOS to develop blockchain-enabled credit management and payment service for the ESA-funded ECOMI project.

12 Dec

Dec 2020

SpaceChain UK received a grant from EUREKA GlobalStars-Singapore Call to develop the decentralised satellite infrastructure with consortium partners.

2021

10 Apr

Apr 2021

Released our first programmable hardware board for the public to develop blockchain applications and deploy it in space.

04 Jun

June 2021

Launched into space the 1st commercial Ethereum blockchain integrated satellite payload

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As Featured In

Technology

We are developing the world’s first decentralised satellite infrastructure (DSI) — a mesh-network of heterogeneous spacecraft owned and operated in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by multiple parties in multiple jurisdictions. It follows a TCP/IP-alike architecture with each spacecraft performed as a network node. The network is supported by spacecraft hardware, communication channels, routing protocols and the blockchain backend network. Users will be able to access the network at any time and from anywhere in the world.

The development consists of the following sections:

Blockchain infrastructure

A blockchain registry forms the backend infrastructure of the DSI, which is developed by SpaceChain and partners. Users and spacecraft are regarded as nodes in the blockchain network. Through the blockchain transaction and peer-to-peer data communication protocols, the registry connects users with the participating spacecraft in a transparent yet secure way.

Spacecraft

Companies from all over the world are invited to join the DSI regardless of the type and functionality of their spacecraft. SpaceChain aims to build a constellation of satellite applications to bolster the efficient allocation of resources

Governance

SpaceChain is engaging regulatory authorities across various countries and getting approval for cross-jurisdictional issues to ensure continual constellation operation of the DSI. Through it, the space asset and services will be able to reach a wide range of audiences.

Application:
DSI supports a wide range of applications involving satellites. It provides the distributed ledger technology which connects various separated networks. The satellites further increase the accessibility of the ground segments where internet is not available. Here are the application scenarios that will be integrated with the DSI:

Satellite multisignature wallet ━ Uses satellite payloads to host the clients’ private keys for secure transactions.
Space data access and ordering services ━ Enables users to acquire the space service in a more specific way.
Satellite and blockchain-enhanced IoT network ━ Supports the global connectivity of the IoT devices in a secure and collaborative way.