Spacecoin Adds SpaceX Founding Member Jim Cantrell as Strategic Advisor

Spacecoin, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) powered by satellites, has announced the addition of Jim Cantrell as a strategic advisor. Cantrell, an American entrepreneur and mechanical engineer, is the CEO and co-founder of Phantom Space Corporation, which focuses on space transportation technology. He has a rich background in the aerospace industry, having worked at the French Space Agency CNES and the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, as well as serving as an independent consultant to various aerospace companies. Notably, Cantrell is a founding member of SpaceX, where he served as the VP and a consultant, and was Elon Musk’s industry mentor when the company launched in 2002.

Cantrell's involvement with Spacecoin comes at a critical juncture in the company's development. He will leverage his extensive technical and commercial expertise to help scale Spacecoin's decentralized satellite constellation. This constellation aims to provide internet access to underserved and remote communities worldwide. Spacecoin utilizes blockchain-enabled low Earth orbit satellites (LEO nanosatellite constellations) to deliver censorship-resistant, direct-to-device internet access in regions that traditional telecom and internet providers do not reach.

Spacecoin's mission is to become the standard open protocol for permissionless, global, borderless connectivity. The network combines decentralized internet infrastructure with on-chain credit and payment systems to enable digital and financial inclusion. Users can stake tokens for governance, pay for bandwidth, and build on-chain credit through Creditcoin, the Layer-1 blockchain powering Spacecoin. The Creditcoin blockchain manages the constellation of small satellites by tracking operations and facilitating payments, all without a central authority.

In 2025, Spacecoin plans to launch additional satellites to conduct pilot tests across various frequency bands. The company aims to secure more partners for market adoption and expansion, with preparations underway for a Q4 launch. By 2026, the team intends to expand coverage and introduce a service that allows users to join the network by launching their own satellites. Spacecoin has already launched its first blockchain-enabled LEO satellite (CTC-0) on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December 2024, with three more scheduled for deployment by the end of 2025. The company also launched a real-time satellite tracker for CTC-0, reaffirming its commitment to transparency.

Spacecoin's expansion plans include underserved regions in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Tae Oh, the founder of Spacecoin and the creator of Creditcoin and Gluwa, emphasized that the company is not just sending satellites into orbit but building the foundation for a permissionless internet. Cantrell's experience in building real-world space systems makes him an ideal advisor as Spacecoin prepares to scale its operations.

Ask Aime: What are the implications of Jim Cantrell joining Spacecoin as a strategic advisor for its satellite constellation development and internet access expansion plans?