- McCaleb invests $1B in Vast Space project
- Plans to build world’s first commercial space station
- Funded mainly through XRP sales
From Crypto to the Cosmos
Jed McCaleb, a crypto billionaire known for founding Mt. Gox, Ripple, and Stellar, is setting his sights beyond Earth. He is investing $1 billion into his space startup, Vast Space, with an ambitious goal: to launch the world’s first commercial space station into orbit. This bold move showcases McCaleb’s shift from digital assets to space exploration.
Vast Space is no small project. McCaleb has committed around $3.2 billion of his personal wealth to the venture, with $1 billion already allocated to fund its early development. Most of this capital comes from his massive earnings through XRP, the cryptocurrency he helped launch during his time at Ripple.
What Is Vast Space Planning?
Vast Space aims to create a permanent, privately-owned space station that can support human life and research missions. The company plans to launch its first space module into orbit in the near future, eventually expanding into a fully operational space station. This would be a significant milestone for the commercial space industry, potentially competing with projects like SpaceX’s Starship and NASA’s initiatives.
McCaleb’s team includes top aerospace engineers and industry veterans, suggesting that Vast Space is more than just a dream. The startup’s mission includes enabling longer space missions, scientific research, and even potential commercial use cases like tourism or manufacturing in space.
Crypto Funding the Final Frontier
Jed McCaleb’s journey from crypto pioneer to space entrepreneur highlights how fortunes made in digital currencies are fueling real-world innovations. By leveraging profits from XRP sales, McCaleb is not only betting big on space but also shaping the future of off-Earth living. Vast Space represents a fascinating crossover between the crypto world and the space industry, with the potential to redefine both sectors.
