Spire ties with SpaceChain to demonstrate blockchain feasibility in space

Spire Global, Inc., a publicly traded space data analytics company, has partnered with SpaceChain, a company focused on space applications for blockchain technology, to demonstrate the ability to resolve land-based centralised infrastructure issues using in-space blockchain computing.

Under the partnership, Spire will upload SpaceChain software onto a satellite in Spire’s existing constellation. Later this year, Spire plans to launch a SpaceChain payload on a new satellite.

By deploying a solution in space, Spire and SpaceChain aim to maximise data security and increase the resiliency of computing operations.

SpaceChain has been developing what it calls Decentralized Satellite Infrastructure (DSI), on which decentralized satellite applications can be built and run without the need for any land-based infrastructure. It is targeting these applications for launch service providers, national space agencies, satellite manufacturers, to data analytics startups.

Zee Zheng, Co-founder and CEO of SpaceChain, said: “Space is the next frontier for businesses, and through Spire’s satellite infrastructure we are taking global collaboration to the ultimate vantage point. This partnership will help us leverage satellite-based computing to remove barriers and create a more open, collaborative and global economy.”

Spire will utilise its “Sabertooth” supercomputing module, the company’s fastest and most power-efficient embedded AI computing device, to fulfill a two-part mission with SpaceChain. Initially, Spire will conduct an on-orbit upload of SpaceChain’s software to an existing satellite, before further building out SpaceChain’s capabilities via a payload on a new satellite, expected to be launched later this year.

Theresa Condor, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Spire Space Services, added: “We’re delighted to work alongside SpaceChain and demonstrate innovative ways to leverage outer space. Space-based computation is already proving its value across countless industries and use cases, and we’re excited to help realise its potential for emerging and decentralised blockchains.”