Aaron Cunningham post on Jan 29 2018 that NASA has awarded a grant to explore the potential for blockchain to improve unmanned space missions.
Apparently the project aims to implement the ethereum network into their operations.
Full article:
https://discover.coinsquare.io/digital-currency/nasa-research-blockchain-in-space/
"NASA recently awarded a grant of $330,000 USD (approximately $413,000 CAD) to the University of Akron to research the potential of blockchain technology to improve space communications."
"Dr. Jen Wei, assistant professor of computer engineering at the University of Akron, leads a team of researchers to develop a Resilient Networking and Computing Paradigm (RNCP) for space exploration."
"The further we explore into space the longer it takes for the machines we use, such as satellites, to receive command signals from Earth. NASA wants ways to reduce the time it takes for their exploration vehicles to receive signals and react to potential threats in space. One possible solution may come from Dr. Wei’s research."
The Benefits:
The article addresses two possible benefits to this blockchain implementation:
- Avoiding space junk: "The RCNP will use blockchain technology to track space debris. The network could then automate the course corrections needed to safely move space vehicles out of debris paths."
- Reduced need for manual operation: "This automation would drastically reduce the need for human operators to manage the safety of space vehicles."
- Safe data collection:
"The team is also looking at ways to use the RCNP to improve the robustness of data collection in space. A decentralized blockchain would ensure there is no degradation or loss of the critical data collected by vehicles in space."
There are some exciting, high hopes for the project. It is clearly early days but with this we see yet again that the broadness of the blockchain revolution is only beginning to be understood.
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