Blockchain for Space?
Blockchain is still a relatively new concept, one that is poorly understood by many, misunderstood and underutilized. From Logan’s experience, helping people in the industry understand how Blockchain can benefit them is a key challenge. Programing the software to do what is expected has also been a paramount challenge. Logan explained that by surrounding himself a great, high quality team, they were able to successfully launch the Hercules Blockchain protocol in October of 2018. So, what is Blockchain and how can it help the Space industry?
A blockchain is essentially series of time-stamped secure data. This data is hosted by a cluster of communal computers not owned by any single entity. “Blocks” of data (i.e. block) are secured and “linked” to each other using cryptographic principles (i.e. chain). In short, Blockchain is a technology that allows for transactions to be conducted securely, transparently, and in a way that creates a consistent paper trail. Blockchain record fraud is easily detectable and traceable. The entire history of a transaction is linked and documented, which is a big plus for industries that have a heavy need for traceability. This traceability helps to alleviate the documentation verification process. Parts don’t ship without the necessary paperwork and authentication.
Why can’t we create an electronic certificate in blockchain that are linked. Bills of lading, shipping notices, etc. And only people that have those parts in their custody or are authorized can view that history. The tokenized agreement or a document, and people have different levels of approval – read only, redline, append, etc. Blockchain is more than just for investment purposes, and then those parts can be fully authenticated. Here on Earth, pushing paper and collating a final data package to verify a part. Companies that leverage blockchain then are taking a step forward into digital trust.
Once you set a group a rules into motions from the Genius block (the starting point for your blockchain), you cannot change the rules thereafter. You have to make sure that the rules are fine-tuned, run through tests, and systematically look for areas of improvement. Even with a prior background in blockchain, it still took about 18 months of development, and had some midcourse fine tuning before the protocol before it was ready for the broccoli release (more on that later). It is easier to show people publicly, and it can be transparent. Blockchain technology is capable of developing a “Private” solution. Users have permissions. Traceability of when “assets” are created and interaction history for assets.
Companies wanting to enter into Blockchain world either need to start from scratch, or work with a company that has a tested product. Lunargistics actually is offering their Hercules solution to companies without having that prolonged development and test cycle so that they can more quickly start enjoying the benefits. For those companies that want to develop their own internal proprietary solution, Lunargistics also offers what they call the “White Label” technology, can-do research on behalf of the company, and if asked, build a customized block chain. Essentially Lunargistics can customize the blockchain solution.
As an early example of the capability of the Hercules approach, Logan attended a conference focusing on technology and how it can change the way we think about business He knew that there would be food served at the event, so he put Hercules to work. They traced broccoli through the supply chain. They went from the farm to the cafeteria leveraging GPS tracking and linking it with the Hercules blockchain process. This enabled the history of the broccoli to be shared all the way to the plate that the broccoli and dip was sitting on. But they didn’t stop there. The same example was done for about 10 different items and then people were able to see the history of the particular food that they were eating.
Although we may in the next ten years be starting to grow broccoli in Orbit, the moon or even Mars, Lunargistics was established to focus on the space environment. Essentially, the application of blockchain by Lunargistics is targeted at Space applications. For Logan, this is a natural extension of his past experience as a programmer and entrepreneur. Since Logan came from the world of Blockchain he explained that it was a natural progression to grow and reach to the stars. To complement Logan, Vishal is a Scientist and believes that he is “more of space freak” that has already worked on various space missions and also has plans to live on Mars someday.
Vishal and Logan believe that the innovation they bring to the market is “Blockchain.”, but it is different than other innovations going on today such as additive manufacturing 3D Printing or new materials such a composites for Launch vehicle tanks. As such, they are not bringing an Innovation that would be like a physical thing but rather more of a fail-safe and applying it to Space Exploration. Applications can range from launch vehicles to asteroid mining. And Lunargistics contention is that with a working Hercules software, their technologies are completed into testing giving them a clear distinctive advantage on to help customers.
Every story has a Genius. But every story has a beginning and certain events are perspective changing. For Logan, “I’ve always been fascinated with space.” his father was a pilot in the 90s which helped peek Logan’s interest. His interest in space dates back to his memory of his father inviting him outside to take a peek at Messier 13 Globular Cluster with his Telescope. Logan recalled that night, he and his father took some long exposure shots of different celestial objects and that he felt at one with the universe. Ultimately years later, Logan’s interest converged with the understanding that the Cislunar Econosphere would be a trillion-dollar market by 2040. That interest combined with the understanding of the opportunity was really the starting point for groundwork for what will eventually be the largest economy humanity has ever seen. “I founded the company and will continue to see it thrive through my lifetime.” – Logan
Although Vishal’s interest in space dates back just as far, he shared an experience in mid of March 2017 when he was leading his team to prove themselves in Lab2moon competition where they got selected to send a self-designed experiment to moon. Vishal explained that it was an enlightening moment for me, when “I understood my life is not limited to earth I belong to something greater. From that moment I am making things fly to space”
“The resources on earth is limited and so is time. When you talk about space as you scale to heavier mass time slows down. Whenever I see the sky and ask myself what I give back to my coming generation the answers always surround around scarcity of resources and the polluted air. So, the idea for being involved in the space business is my answer to coming generation that we have given you a better planet. Each passing day of life I realize I have a long way to go before I sleep in peace “ -Vishal
When Lunargistics talks about space, people understand that there is a lot of uncertainty every day in Space Business, which is a challenge. Taking an abstract concept like blockchain and applying it to the already challenging industry of Space seems like a monumental task, especially when the horizon for Space projects are in some cases years away or even as far as a decade. Lunargistics is patient at explaining the market, and the benefit that their blockchain solution provides even though it may not show impact in any coming year but hold heavy potential in coming decade. Vishal elaborated that, “Explaining to the Investors and other people is a challenge everyday not only because space is complex to understand but because our solutions are solving enormous problems.”
Lunargistics is quite picky on their investors as well, in part from having watched and learned as other startups have faced challenges with managing investor expectations. With that money is a key aspect for growth as well, Lunargistics has self-funded the development and has been all out of pocket for Logan currently. Logan, like other serial entrepreneurs are particular on who they work with. “I’m a bit of a mad man when it comes to providing like this for the companies I start, but I think it’s the best way to start. Showing the community the founders have a true stake is important because it will lead to longevity.” Logan isn’t in a rush for cash infusion, but be that as it may, Lunargistics is running a Seed Round. They don’t have any near-term plans on going public but do see a value in offering employees a stake in the company as they believe that it’s important for those building to also have a seat at the table.
They are just beginning to onboard companies (both suppliers and customers) and integrating them into their system. Unfortunately, their non-disclosure agreements (NDA) prevent them from offering detailed information on their current clients. Lunargistics also shared that they are utilizing the funding rounds in order to allow them to scale as a company to better serve the growing space ecosystem.
To keep growing, they are expanding their in-house capabilities and looking for people that will work smart along with working hard. Background of people with space mission exposure are always gems to us as they often have with a sound understanding of what makes the space vessel and its necessary parts. Every space-mission, failure or success, gives them a new vision and more understanding of space. Through this, they are looking for people with a solid understanding the effect of radiation, heat management and a lot of risks involved in manufacturing any space subsystems. Of course, since they are also a Blockchain company, hunting for experience in our technical team needs to be offset with young and eager developers for the blockchain.
Visit https://lunargistics.lu or email us at partnerships@lunargistics.lu to discuss further on how to implement blockchain into your aerospace supply chain!
Bill D'Zio
Co-Founder at WestEastSpace.com
Bill founded WestEastSpace.com after returning to China in 2019 to be supportive of his wife's career. Moving to China meant leaving the US rocket/launch industry behind, as USA and China don't see eye to eye on cooperation in space. Bill has an engineering degree and is an experienced leader of international cross-functional teams with experience in evaluating, optimizing and awarding sub-contracts for complex systems. Bill has worked with ASME Components, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) for use in launch vehicles, satellites, aerospace nuclear, and industrial applications.
Bill provides consulting services for engineering, supply chain, and project management.
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