Elon Musk has reignited plans for SpaceX to send a Dogecoin-funded satellite to the moon, suggesting a potential launch as early as 2027. The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla responded affirmatively to a query about his long-standing promise to send a "literal Dogecoin" to the moon, bringing renewed focus to the delayed DOGE-1 mission.
The DOGE-1 mission, a collaboration between SpaceX and Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC), involves launching a 40kg CubeSat to the moon to collect lunar data. A unique aspect of the mission is that it is fully funded in Dogecoin, making it the first cryptocurrency-financed space endeavor. SpaceX Vice President Tom Ochinero has previously described the project as a demonstration of cryptocurrency's utility beyond Earth orbit.
The mission was first announced in April 2021, with an original launch target of early 2022. It has since faced multiple delays, with the most recent timeline pointing to a mid-to-late 2026 launch. Musk's latest comments have sparked speculation that the launch could now occur in 2027.
The announcement had an immediate, albeit modest, impact on the market. Following Musk's tweet, Dogecoin's price rose approximately 1.5%, trading above $0.10. This mirrors the market reaction from 2021, when Musk's initial teasing of the project led to a 30% surge in DOGE's price, nearly pushing it to $0.60.
Analysts view SpaceX's acceptance of Dogecoin as payment for a lunar mission as a significant milestone for cryptocurrency adoption, potentially setting a precedent for future space commerce. However, the mission remains in the planning stages, and its eventual execution continues to be a focal point for Dogecoin investors and the broader crypto community.
