TLDR
- Blue Origin has partnered with Shift4 to accept cryptocurrency payments for spaceflights.
- The company now takes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and popular stablecoins for booking trips.
- A minimum deposit of $150,000 is required to secure a spaceflight seat.
- Shift4 processes over $260 billion globally and launched worldwide crypto payment support in October.
- Shift4 Head of Crypto Alex Wilson stated that crypto is now a $4 trillion asset class with significant potential.
Blue Origin has begun accepting cryptocurrency payments for its spaceflights through a partnership with payment firm Shift4. The service supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and stablecoins including USDT and USDC. The company requires a deposit of at least $150,000 for booking a flight.
Bitcoin Payments for Space Travel
Blue Origin now enables customers to pay for spaceflights using Bitcoin via Shift4’s payment infrastructure. This system allows high-value purchases to be completed securely and quickly, positioning Blue Origin to reach a growing market of cryptocurrency holders.
Shift4 processes more than $260 billion globally and introduced worldwide crypto payment functionality in October. This feature allows merchants to accept digital assets alongside traditional payment methods seamlessly.
“Crypto is now a $4 trillion asset class, and the sky is the limit,” said Shift4 Head of Crypto Alex Wilson.
Blue Origin auctioned the first seat on its New Shepard spacecraft in 2021, fetching $28 million from Tron founder Justin Sun. Sun, a known crypto billionaire, completed his trip last week. The new payment method aligns with the company’s history of connecting space travel with the crypto industry.
Blue Origin Adds Crypto Options for Spaceflights
Ethereum and Solana are also accepted for Blue Origin flights, expanding prospective passengers’ choices. The decision caters to the preferences of tech-savvy and blockchain-focused clients and reflects a broader shift toward crypto adoption in luxury and high-end markets.
Shift4’s infrastructure ensures low transaction costs and faster settlements for these payments. Merchants and customers benefit from reduced fees compared to traditional methods, making it attractive for large transactions.
“We believe crypto and stablecoins will become increasingly popular for high-end purchases,” Wilson added.
Shares of Shift4 (FOUR) closed Monday at $82.98, up 1.68%, despite being down over 20% year-to-date. Blue Origin’s integration of cryptocurrency payments could provide new momentum for both companies. The collaboration signals continued intersections between the space industry and the digital asset market.
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Source: https://blockonomi.com/blue-origin-accepts-bitcoin-ethereum-solana-but-whats-the-catch/