Villanova University's College of Engineering is sending out a private Ethereum blockchain - here it quotation in real time - in space to test whether distributed ledger technology (DLT) can help satellites in data exchange.
Working in partnership with the nonprofit Teachers in Space, Villanova's College of Engineering secured a flight for its blockchain on a Firefly Aerospace rocket, scheduled to launch Nov. 20 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The rocket will carry a “Serenity” satellite that will include Villanova's private blockchain mounted on a Raspberry Pi, a single-board computer the size of a credit card.
A blockchain in space
Hasshi Sudler, an adjunct professor at Villanova who leads this project, said the large number of communications and the presence of other types of satellites already in space have focused on how blockchain technology could help this sector.
Currently, there are nearly 2.800 artificial satellites orbiting the Earth, 1.425 of which belong to the United States, according to data collected by the Union of Concerned Scientists. This concentration of satellites in space means there may be constraints on launching new satellites in the future, Sudler said.
But this also creates an opportunity to reduce the number of new satellites needed by creating a way to allow existing satellites to communicate with each other. “We want to be able to allow satellites to leverage the existing data that current satellites have, but this raises the question of how to carry out the transfer and ensure the transaction takes place, while also making sure it is paid for. And this is where blockchain plays a unique role, ”he said.
According to Sudler, moving data from one satellite to another can be a lengthy process involving multiple ground stations that would remain in contact with the satellite. Using a blockchain network to transact this data could reduce these requirements and lower the operating costs of maintaining ground stations if satellites could "talk" to each other in space.
Blockchain technology under scrutiny
The blockchain that will be sent into space uses a Proof-of-Authority consensus mechanism as a way to minimize energy needs, which can be quite significant compared to mechanisms commonly used in public blockchains.
Villanova University said the satellite will remain in low Earth orbit (altitude of 1.200 miles or less) for 30 days. The first 15 days will be used for controlled blockchain experiments conducted by the researchers, followed by 15 days of testing to measure the performance of transactions under heavy traffic conditions.
Using the blockchain could also correct another problem when it comes to satellites: their movements. According to the university's statement, the flight scheduled for November 20 will be the first of many attempts to test how low-Earth orbit satellites could transact data using a private blockchain.
