The space tourism crypto payments era has arrived. Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin has teamed up with Shift4 Payments to allow customers to purchase tickets for its New Shepard spaceflights using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
According to a Monday press release, passengers can now pay in Bitcoin (BTC-USD), Ether (ETH-USD), Solana (SOL-USD), Tether (USDT-USD), and USD Coin (USDC-USD). Blue Origin, which has flown over 75 passengers beyond the Kármán Line — the recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space — will accept direct payments from popular crypto wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase.
Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber said the company was “thrilled” to extend its vision of revolutionizing commerce beyond Earth. Alex Wilson, Shift4’s head of crypto, added that digital assets and stablecoins are poised to become a preferred payment method for high-end purchases like space travel.
NFTs and Blockchain Already in Orbit
The fusion of blockchain technology and space travel isn’t entirely new. In 2022, NFT project Azuki made headlines when it sent its “Bobu the Bean Farmer” character to space aboard a SpaceX/NASA mission, blending the worlds of digital collectibles and frontier exploration.
Blockchain infrastructure projects have also been taking root in orbit. In 2020, Spacechain executed what it called the first multisignature Bitcoin transaction from the International Space Station, proving that blockchain transactions can be conducted entirely off-planet.
More recently, in December 2024, Spacecoin XYZ launched its first satellite to begin developing an orbital blockchain network. The initiative aims to create a multi-tiered blockchain system anchored in space to support decentralized applications and future extraterrestrial economies.
Stratospheric Connectivity Through Blockchain Networks
Blockchain-powered aerospace innovation is also impacting Earth’s skies. Telecom startup World Mobile is deploying a 5G network using hydrogen-powered drones flying at 60,000 feet, delivering wireless connectivity over 15,000 square kilometers.
Developed in partnership with Indonesian telecom company Protelindo, the network integrates with World Mobile’s decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), combining traditional telecom systems with independently operated nodes. The result: ultra-low latency of around six milliseconds and costs reportedly up to 18 times lower per gigabyte than satellite alternatives.
This hybrid approach could revolutionize connectivity in underserved regions while maintaining the decentralized ethos of blockchain technology.
Tron Founder’s $28 Million Blue Origin Flight
Blue Origin’s relationship with the crypto community extends beyond payments. On August 3, 2024, blockchain entrepreneur Justin Sun, founder of Tron (TRX-USD), flew aboard the NS-34 mission from West Texas. Sun had secured his seat in a 2021 auction for $28 million, joining five other passengers on the suborbital journey.
The ticket proceeds were donated to 19 space-related charities, supporting educational programs in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). After the flight, Sun remarked on the fragility of Earth, stressing the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.
Space Tourism Crypto Payments: A New Frontier for Payments and Exploration
The acceptance of cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments for space tourism represents a pivotal moment in both industries. For the crypto sector, it signals mainstream adoption in one of humanity’s most aspirational experiences. For space tourism, it expands access to a growing base of digital asset holders eager to convert virtual wealth into tangible adventures.
With blockchain already making its mark in space — from NFT launches to orbital transaction networks — the partnership between Blue Origin and Shift4 could accelerate the integration of decentralized technology into aerospace and tourism. As more companies adopt crypto-friendly payment systems, the boundary between Earth’s financial systems and outer space exploration will continue to blur.
And as the space tourism crypto payments trend gains momentum, future travelers might not just carry their wallets to the stars — they’ll bring their digital wallets too, turning cryptocurrency into the universal currency for the final frontier.
Featured Image: depositphotos @ zoomteam
