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    TON and SERA Introduce Onchain Space Voting Through Telegram Mini App

    Ethan CarterBy No Comments1 Min Read
    1759288007

    The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) based in the US, in collaboration with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, has introduced a new Mini App on Telegram that enables users to vote on candidates for a trip to space on a Blue Origin rocket.

    This initiative, titled Mission Control, aims to “democratize” space travel by allowing global users to participate in astronaut selection through onchain voting on the TON blockchain, as stated in a recent announcement shared with Cointelegraph.

    SERA has reportedly secured all six seats for an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard mission, which is set for a future flight.

    Five seats are designated for individuals from nations with minimal or no space representation, specifically India, Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia. The sixth seat is available to the international public, excluding individuals from sanctioned countries.

    Cryptocurrencies, Telegram, TON, Cryptocurrency Investment, Token2049
    Max Crown in Singapore at the Token 2049 conference. Source: Cointelegraph

    Related: TON may become the first everyday blockchain by 2027

    TON Initiates Onchain Voting for Space

    In a Cointelegraph interview at the Token2049 conference, TON Foundation CEO Max Crown indicated that the final selection process will incorporate various national formats, including online voting and television shows, depending on each country.

    “The whole idea was to democratize space,” Crown stated. “Historically, space travel has been very elitist, and if you consider, there are about 300 astronauts overall,” he continued.

    The project is funded by the TON Foundation, along with sponsors and potential advertising linked to national initiatives. The long-term vision is to extend this model to additional countries using similar open-selection strategies.

    Crown also mentioned that the initiative aims to enhance the adoption of Telegram wallets and overall blockchain involvement. To participate, users are required to create a TON wallet within Telegram. Achievements and participation badges will be represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on TON.

    SERA describes itself as a “space agency for everyone,” providing chances for everyday individuals to become astronauts and engage in space science. Previously, it successfully sent a Brazilian citizen to space in 2022 through a related NFT campaign, which reportedly turned the participant into a national icon, according to Crown.

    Related: TON’s UAE ‘golden visa’ mishap highlights the importance of legal reviews

    TON Wallet Debuts in the US

    In July, Telegram launched its self-custodial crypto wallet, TON Wallet, for users in America. Built on the TON blockchain, this wallet allows users to send, receive, and store assets like USDT and Toncoin directly within the Telegram app.