SpaceChain’s second-generation blockchain node was launched successfully on October 25, 2018, at 6:57am local time from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, Xinzhou, China. The node payload was delivered by the CZ-4B Launch Vehicle and has entered its designated orbit. The node functions well in simple in-orbit testing, and more detailed and longer tests will be run later on.

Watch the node orbit the earth in real time!

The SpaceChain Foundation commissioned Tibet Zezheng Information Technology Co. Ltd. and Beijing Xihua Science and Technology Co. Ltd., a carrying and launching service provider, to jointly facilitate this launch. The payload carries SpaceChain OS, a smart operating system that performs blockchain-related functions on the Qtum blockchain. The launch is aimed at testing the in-orbit functionality of the hardware and software. By launching this node, the Foundation is implementing technical validation of blockchain-based encrypted data transmission in space and has begun testing the full in-orbit operational capabilities of the node.

SpaceChain combines space and blockchain technologies to build the world’s first open-source blockchain-based satellite network. The network is available to anyone, anywhere in the world, all the while remaining secure and immutable through proven blockchain cryptography. In doing so, SpaceChain’s vision is to establish the underlying framework so that everyone can participate in space exploration and to advance global collaboration in space. The launch of this node is a significant step in making that vision a reality. Stay tuned for updates.