The Open Network (TON) Foundation and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) announced a historic collaboration. Both organizations have launched an application on Telegram to select the next space travelers. This system will allow for a global on-chain astronaut voting process.
The initiative aims to send six civilians to space aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard rocket. The launch is scheduled to occur between the first and second quarters of 2026. The crew selection will be conducted publicly through the “Mission Control” Mini App, integrated directly into Telegram. To participate in the voting, users will need to create a TON wallet, thereby encouraging the platform’s adoption.
Five of the seats are reserved for candidates from countries with little space representation: India, Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, and Indonesia. The sixth spot will be for a candidate from the general public. In this way, the project seeks to democratize access to space, an unprecedented milestone. This collaboration not only opens the doors to the cosmos but also introduces millions of users to Web3 technology in a practical and exciting way.
The on-chain astronaut voting system brings transparency and global reach to the selection process. Participants can support their favorite candidates by earning in-app points called “SpaceDust.” This gamified mechanism boosts user interaction and engagement with the mission. Furthermore, the project’s funding, supported by the TON Foundation and sponsorships, demonstrates the viability of decentralized models for large-scale initiatives.
Democratizing Access to Space
This event could have a significant impact on the TON ecosystem. By attracting a massive audience through such an appealing proposal, the network may experience a considerable increase in new wallet creation and overall activity. For investors, this represents a validation of TON’s use case for mass-market consumer applications, beyond traditional finance.
The partnership between TON and SERA for this on-chain astronaut voting sets a new standard for how emerging technologies can transform established industries. As the selection process moves forward, the attention on the TON network is expected to grow. This is a first step toward future initiatives that could integrate blockchain solutions into entirely new sectors, from research to space tourism.
