Villanova University to Send Private Ethereum Blockchain Into Space to Test Inter-Satellite Communication

Oct 21, 2020 at 18:46 UTCUpdated Oct 21, 2020 at 18:47 UTC.Villanova University's College of Engineering is sending a private Ethereum blockchain into space to test whether distributed ledger technology can help satellites exchange data.

The rocket will carry a "Serenity" satellite that will include Villanova's private blockchain mounted on a Raspberry Pi, a credit card-sized single board computer.

Hasshi Sudler, an adjunct professor at Villanova who is leading this project, said the large number of communications and other types of satellites that are already in space brought into focus how blockchain technology could help this sector.

This concentration of satellites in outer space means there could be constraints on launching new ones in the future, Sudler said.

"We want to be able to allow satellites to leverage the existing data that current satellites have, but that raises the question of how do you do that transfer and ensure that the transaction has taken place, even ensure that it's been paid for. And this is where the 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 stay in touch with the satellite.

Using a blockchain network to transact this data could reduce such requirements and lower the operational cost of maintaining ground stations if satellites could "Talk" to each other in space.

In an emailed statement, Villanova said the satellite will remain in low-Earth orbit for 30 days.

Using blockchain may also rectify another problem when it comes to satellites: their movements.

According to the university's statement, the flight planned for Nov. 20 is the first of many aimed at testing how low-Earth-orbit satellites could carry out transactions using a private blockchain.