Bitcoin News Today: Blue Origin Adds Crypto Payments for Spaceflights

Blue Origin, the space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced a partnership with Shift4 Payments to accept cryptocurrencies and stablecoins for the purchase of New Shepard suborbital flights. Customers can now pay using Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Solana (SOL), USDt (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC), with direct payments supported through popular crypto wallets such as MetaMask and Coinbase [1]. This marks a significant step in the integration of blockchain technology into the space tourism industry.

The New Shepard rocket has already carried more than 75 passengers beyond the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. With the inclusion of crypto payment options, Blue Origin is catering to a growing segment of high-net-worth individuals who prefer decentralized financial solutions for high-value transactions. Shift4’s CEO, Taylor Lauber, described the initiative as part of the company’s mission to “revolutionize commerce beyond Earth” [1]. Alex Wilson, head of crypto at Shift4, added that crypto is likely to become an increasingly popular method for purchasing luxury goods and experiences [1].

This development aligns with broader blockchain-related advancements in aerospace. In 2022, the NFT project Azuki sent a digital character to space via a SpaceX/NASA mission, showcasing the merging of digital collectibles with space exploration [1]. Additionally, in 2020, the Spacechain project executed a multisignature Bitcoin transaction from the International Space Station, and in December 2024, Spacecoin XYZ launched its first satellite to develop an orbital blockchain network [1]. These projects demonstrate the increasing role of blockchain in both cultural and technical aspects of space travel.

Blue Origin’s engagement with the crypto community is not new. In August 2023, the company hosted Justin Sun, founder of the Tron blockchain platform, on a suborbital flight. Sun paid $28 million for the ticket through a 2021 auction, and the funds were donated to 19 space-focused charities to support STEAM education [1]. After the flight, Sun expressed his admiration for Earth and its fragility, emphasizing the importance of planetary protection [1].

The expansion of crypto payments into space tourism highlights a shift in how high-end services are accessed and financed. As the cost of space travel decreases and the use of crypto becomes more mainstream, the convergence of these two industries may attract new investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers. Shift4’s involvement in this initiative suggests that traditional financial services are adapting to the evolving needs of a digital economy.

Meanwhile, other blockchain-related aerospace projects are also gaining traction. World Mobile, a telecom startup, is deploying hydrogen-powered drones at high altitudes to provide 5G connectivity in remote regions, integrating blockchain with traditional telecom infrastructure to improve service accessibility and reduce costs [1].

Blue Origin’s decision to accept crypto payments is not just a business move—it reflects a broader trend of technological convergence. As space travel becomes more accessible and blockchain continues to expand its reach, the potential for innovation in both fields is vast. This development could encourage further experimentation and investment, potentially reshaping the future of high-end travel and decentralized finance.

Source:

[1] https://cointelegraph.com/news/space-tourism-meets-crypto-commerce-as-blue-origin-accepts-bitcoin-ethereum-and-usdt

[2] https://coinpedia.org/crypto-live-news/

[3] https://globalcryptoguru.com/