SpaceX is launching a Dogecoin-funded satellite to the Moon

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Elon Musk'due south SpaceX is sending a satellite proper noun DOGE-i to the Moon — and the launch will exist paid for entirely in Dogecoin.

The DOGE-one Mission to the Moon will encounter a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket deliver a 40kg cubesat satellite into orbit in early 2022. The payload will be sent up and paid for by a company chosen Geometric Energy Corporation, with the transaction conducted entirely in Dogecoin.

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The cry of "To the Moon!" has regularly been used in relation to the cryptocurrency recently, which has soared in value to the signal where information technology'due south now ane of the height cryptocurrency performers and is worth more Ford.

Next year'due south launch will make that a rallying call a reality, with the satellite's mission being to "obtain lunar-spatial intelligence from sensors and cameras on-lath with integrated communications and computational systems."

Musk has long championed the cryptocurrency, which began as a joke response to Bitcoin, past regularly tweeting about it and talking up its potential; he'southward even dubbed himself "The Dogefather." And you might expect, the Tesla CEO was delighted past the news, declaring that the mission would represent "the first crypto in infinite" and "the first meme in infinite."

SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year– Mission paid for in Doge– 1st crypto in space– 1st meme in spaceTo the mooooonnn!!https://t.co/xXfjGZVeUWMay 9, 2021

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In a possibly tongue-in-cheek statement, SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero said that the mission "will demonstrate the application of cryptocurrency across Earth orbit and set the foundation for interplanetary commerce. We're excited to launch DOGE-1 to the Moon!"

Musk had previously teased the declaration in March, tweeting that SpaceX was going to put a "literal Dogecoin on the literal moon" — although most people took that to be typical hyperbole from a man who'due south no stranger to it.

The news helped Dogecoin to rally after a tricky weekend that saw it drop by more than thirty% in value after Musk called it a "hustle" in his Sabbatum Night Live hosting spot.

Musk's guest hosting slot on the show was expected to send the memecoin to new heights, but instead information technology plunged from to a higher place seventy cents to just 43 cents. It then climbed back to $0.59, and currently sits at $0.53 — withal a long style short of its record high.

That said, Dogecoin remains one of the biggest crypto success stories this twelvemonth, with growth of more than 12,000% since January.

More: What is Dogecoin? Everything you need to know

Every bit U.M. Editor in Chief on Tom's Guide, Marc is responsible for the site'southward U.K.-focused output every bit well every bit overseeing all gaming, streaming, sound, Tv set, entertainment, how-to and cameras coverage. He previously edited the tech website Stuff and has tested and written most phones, tablets, wearables, streaming boxes, smart habitation devices, Bluetooth speakers, games and much more. He also spent years on a music magazine, where his duties mainly involved spoiling other people's fun, and on a car magazine. An avid lensman, Marc likes nothing better than taking pictures of very small things (bugs, his daughters) or very large things (distant galaxies). When he gets fourth dimension, he also enjoys gaming (console and mobile), cycling and attempting to watch as much sport as any human can (particularly cricket).