The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), based in the US, together with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, has introduced a new Telegram-based Mini App that enables users to vote for candidates to fly to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
This initiative, named Mission Control, aims to “democratize” access to space by allowing global users to engage in astronaut selection through onchain voting on the TON blockchain, as stated in a Tuesday announcement shared with Cointelegraph.
As per the announcement, SERA has acquired all six seats on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard mission, which is scheduled for a near-future flight.
Five of these seats are designated for individuals from countries that have experienced limited or no representation in space—specifically India, Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia. The sixth seat will be open to the global public, except for individuals from sanctioned countries.
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Onchain Space Voting by TON
Applicants are required to register through the Mission Control Telegram Mini App, which incorporates onchain voting via the TON blockchain. Participants can endorse candidates by completing challenges and earning points in the app termed “SpaceDust.”
In an interview with Cointelegraph during the Token2049 conference, TON Foundation CEO Max Crown mentioned that the final selection process will be based on different national formats, including online voting and related TV shows, based on the country.
“The idea was essentially to democratize space,” Crown stated. “Traveling to space has always been viewed as very elitist. There are roughly 300 astronauts worldwide if you really count,” he added.
The project is funded by the TON Foundation, along with sponsorships and potential advertising associated with national campaigns. The long-term vision includes replicating this model across other countries, using similar open-selection mechanisms.
Crown noted that the initiative also aims to enhance Telegram wallet usage and promote greater blockchain engagement. Users must create a TON wallet within Telegram to cast their votes. Achievements and participation badges will be issued as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on TON.
SERA identifies itself as a “space agency for everyone,” focused on providing chances for everyday citizens to become astronauts and engage in space science. Last year, it successfully sent a Brazilian citizen to space through a similar NFT-based campaign, which resulted in the participant gaining national fame, according to Crown.
Related: TON’s UAE ‘golden visa’ error highlights the importance of legal reviews
Launch of TON Wallet in the US
In July, Telegram introduced its self-custodial crypto wallet, TON Wallet, for users in the United States. Built on the TON blockchain, the wallet facilitates the sending, receiving, and storing of assets such as USDT and Toncoin directly within the Telegram application.
Developed by The Open Platform, a tech company dedicated to creating Web3 applications for Telegram, TON Wallet was announced to have successfully completed a $28.5 million Series A funding round, attaining a $1 billion valuation on July 3.
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