Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) NFT Drop

The startup Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Coinbase's Base network for its Space Summer NFT drop. This initiative allows buyers to secure a seat on an upcoming Blue Origin flight to low Earth orbit on a New Shepard rocket.

As part of Coinbase's “onchain summer,” SERA will mint three space-themed tokens on the Base Layer 2 network. Purchasing an NFT grants holders access to SERA’s astronaut selection program, set to launch in the coming weeks.

NFT holders are eligible for one of six seats SERA has reserved for a future mission on the New Shepard rocket, founded by Jeff Bezos. Buying all three tokens fast-tracks holders directly to phase 2 of the astronaut selection process.

> “This is about trying to open up access to space to everyone,” said Sam Hutchison, SERA co-founder and former rocket engineer.

The remaining five seats will be allocated to astronauts from nations with minimal or no spaceflight representation, including India, Nigeria, and small island developing states. Token holders may also participate in the selection process, which will occur on-chain.

Hutchison emphasized the importance of a fair and transparent voting process utilizing KYC and blockchain technology. Upon joining the SERA program, users receive a mission badge as an NFT, which tracks their voting in various phases of astronaut selection. The voting data will be publicly accessible, ensuring transparency.

> “Utilizing the blockchain wherever we think that there’s a strong use case can help broaden access to space exploration,” Hutchison added.

Historically, around 660 people have traveled to space, with most coming from just three countries: the U.S., Russia, and China. SERA previously facilitated a seat for Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old civil engineer from Brazil, on a Blue Origin rocket via a token voting process.

> “Space naturally is a decentralized concept,” remarked Joshua Skurla, another SERA co-founder. “By aggregating a diverse group of space enthusiasts, we can align everyone through stakeholdership.”

SERA maintains ties with crypto organizations, such as Coinbase, and is conversing with Web3 entrepreneurs eager to venture into space, including Jed McCaleb, founder of Stellar, who is establishing a private space station through his startup, Vast.

> “SERA aims to make future space exploration more inclusive,” stated Jesse Pollak, creator of Base, about making the global economy accessible, similar to SERA’s approach for space.

“Sociocultural synergies exist between the Web3 and space communities, especially concerning tech and socio-economic freedom,” Hutchison added.

CORRECTION (AUG. 16): Corrects spelling of Sam Hutchison's last name.