BitMEX to send Bitcoin to the moon, literally
BitMEX’s physical Bitcoin, is amongst the 201 payloads from governments, companies, universities, and NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative to travel to the lunar surface.
Crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX is set to make history on January 8 at 02:18 am ET by sending Bitcoin to the Moon from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
In collaboration with Astrobotic, Bitcoin Magazine, and Oxcart Assembly, this mission aims to showcase the potential of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in establishing a borderless financial system beyond Earth. The event marks the first Western soft lunar landing since NASA’s Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
1 BTC to arrive on the Moon on Feb 23rd
The Bitcoin, weighing 43 g and loaded with 1 BTC (valued at approximately US$45,000 as of January 8, 2024), will be carried on the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket and integrated onto Peregrine-1, a commercial lunar lander. The tentative arrival date on the Moon is February 23, 2024.
The Vulcan rocket will undergo an Earth orbit before launching Peregrine-1 on a lunar trajectory. During the 7-week lunar orbit phase, a live broadcast will be available on NASA TV after registration at https://shorturl.at/twyCI.
BitMEX CEO Stephan Lutz expressed the significance of this mission in space exploration, representing the first step of creating a monetary system for a space economy. “Perfectly preserved for future generations, the Bitcoin on the Moon is a time capsule that captures one of the most significant human innovations and technological advancements. This decisive leap forward is just the beginning of a new era. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for decentralised finance where financial systems transcend earthly boundaries and empower individuals across the cosmos.”
Ben Usinger, Head of Community at BitMEX, who also spearheaded the promotion of the mission said, “We are thrilled about the launch, thanks to the dedication of like-minded partners who share our commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration. We hope our pursuit to expand the horizons of technology and finance will inspire a new generation of innovators and pioneers to reach for the stars. Fostering a future where cryptocurrency and space exploration go hand in hand, paving the way to explore uncharted territories and fuel the evolution of Bitcoin beyond Earth.”
BitMEX’s physical Bitcoin, is amongst the 201 payloads from governments, companies, universities, and NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative to travel to the lunar surface. Engraved with a public address (1MoonBTCixFH3XTrWRCbMpK23o74nQrA1Q) and a private key, this will be the first-ever financial asset sent to the Moon.
The Bitcoin will remain on the lunar surface with Peregrine, where BitMEX invites the crypto community and future generations to interact with the physical coin, whether on Earth or in space, enabling individuals to send personal messages and their own satoshis to the Moon.
