SpaceX will launch a Dogecoin-funded Moon satellite


Elon Musk is following up his appearance on Saturday Night Live with a more practical pitch for Dogecoin. Geometric Energy Corporation, a Canadian engineering firm, has reached an agreement with SpaceX to launch its DOGE-1 CubeSat to the Moon in the first quarter of 2022. As the name implies, it is entirely funded by Dogecoin, making it the first commercial lunar payload to be paid for with the cryptocurrency, according to Geometric Energy.


The mission will take off on a Falcon 9 rocket. According to the company, the 88-pound CubeSat will collect "lunar-spatial intelligence" via a combination of cameras and sensors. And, yes, SpaceX is well aware of the gravity of the launch. According to commercial sales VP Tom Ochinero, the mission will demonstrate the viability of cryptocurrency beyond Earth and lay the groundwork for "interplanetary commerce."


Dogecoin will also be used in future lunar missions, according to Geometric Energy.


There's little doubt that both parties see an opportunity for publicity here — DOGE-1 is a massive tech trend mashup. It does, however, hint at how private spaceflight may evolve, and it serves as a reminder that SpaceX's interest in the Moon extends beyond government contracts and tourism.


The timing is perfect. Hours earlier, SpaceX set an internal record by launching and landing a specific Falcon 9 rocket for the tenth time — the most reuse of any booster in the company's history. While reusable rockets are clearly nothing new at the company at this point, the news suggests that these vessels could be in service for quite some time before being retired.


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