BitMEX, a leading bitcoin derivatives exchange, announced that it will send the first physical bitcoin to the Moon in partnership with Astrobotic Technology Inc. and Bitcoin Magazine. The rocket carrying a physical Bitcoin wallet is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center this summer, marking a significant milestone for space exploration and the bitcoin industry.
The bitcoin, which is engraved with a public address and private key, is packed with 1 BTC and will be the first financial asset sent into space. This effort symbolizes the exploration of Bitcoin use cases beyond Earth and opens up possibilities for future interaction with the token. Stephan Lutz, Acting CEO and Group CFO of BitMEX, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “This is not only an achievement for BitMEX, but an achievement in human history.”
According to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine, the mission underwent rigorous testing and preparation to ensure the readiness of the Bitcoin wallet for space flight.
In addition to physical bitcoin, the text of the Genesis Block, the first Bitcoin block ever mined, will be taken to the Moon as a tribute to Satoshi’s protocol. The Genesis Block will be displayed on a metal plate with raw hex data and a hologram of the Bitcoin Magazine logo.
A replica of the coin and Genesis Block metal plate, mounted on a “moon rock” will be auctioned in partnership with Bitcoin Magazine at Bitcoin 2023. In addition, a limited edition series of commemorative coins and Ordinals will be auctioned more close to the launch date .
