Day: August 11, 2025

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The space tourism crypto payments era has arrived. Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin has teamed up with Shift4 Payments to allow customers to purchase tickets for its New Shepard spaceflights using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

According to a Monday press release, passengers can now pay in Bitcoin (BTC-USD), Ether (ETH-USD), Solana (SOL-USD), Tether (USDT-USD), and USD Coin (USDC-USD). Blue Origin, which has flown over 75 passengers beyond the Kármán Line — the recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space — will accept direct payments from popular crypto wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase.

Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber said the company was “thrilled” to extend its vision of revolutionizing commerce beyond Earth. Alex Wilson, Shift4’s head of crypto, added that digital assets and stablecoins are poised to become a preferred payment method for high-end purchases like space travel.

NFTs and Blockchain Already in Orbit

The fusion of blockchain technology and space travel isn’t entirely new. In 2022, NFT project Azuki made headlines when it sent its “Bobu the Bean Farmer” character to space aboard a SpaceX/NASA mission, blending the worlds of digital collectibles and frontier exploration.

Blockchain infrastructure projects have also been taking root in orbit. In 2020, Spacechain executed what it called the first multisignature Bitcoin transaction from the International Space Station, proving that blockchain transactions can be conducted entirely off-planet.

More recently, in December 2024, Spacecoin XYZ launched its first satellite to begin developing an orbital blockchain network. The initiative aims to create a multi-tiered blockchain system anchored in space to support decentralized applications and future extraterrestrial economies.

Stratospheric Connectivity Through Blockchain Networks

Blockchain-powered aerospace innovation is also impacting Earth’s skies. Telecom startup World Mobile is deploying a 5G network using hydrogen-powered drones flying at 60,000 feet, delivering wireless connectivity over 15,000 square kilometers.

Developed in partnership with Indonesian telecom company Protelindo, the network integrates with World Mobile’s decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), combining traditional telecom systems with independently operated nodes. The result: ultra-low latency of around six milliseconds and costs reportedly up to 18 times lower per gigabyte than satellite alternatives.

This hybrid approach could revolutionize connectivity in underserved regions while maintaining the decentralized ethos of blockchain technology.

Tron Founder’s $28 Million Blue Origin Flight

Blue Origin’s relationship with the crypto community extends beyond payments. On August 3, 2024, blockchain entrepreneur Justin Sun, founder of Tron (TRX-USD), flew aboard the NS-34 mission from West Texas. Sun had secured his seat in a 2021 auction for $28 million, joining five other passengers on the suborbital journey.

The ticket proceeds were donated to 19 space-related charities, supporting educational programs in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). After the flight, Sun remarked on the fragility of Earth, stressing the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

Space Tourism Crypto Payments: A New Frontier for Payments and Exploration

The acceptance of cryptocurrency and stablecoin payments for space tourism represents a pivotal moment in both industries. For the crypto sector, it signals mainstream adoption in one of humanity’s most aspirational experiences. For space tourism, it expands access to a growing base of digital asset holders eager to convert virtual wealth into tangible adventures.

With blockchain already making its mark in space — from NFT launches to orbital transaction networks — the partnership between Blue Origin and Shift4 could accelerate the integration of decentralized technology into aerospace and tourism. As more companies adopt crypto-friendly payment systems, the boundary between Earth’s financial systems and outer space exploration will continue to blur.

And as the space tourism crypto payments trend gains momentum, future travelers might not just carry their wallets to the stars — they’ll bring their digital wallets too, turning cryptocurrency into the universal currency for the final frontier.

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The Bitcoin price surge continued on Monday, with Bitcoin (BTC-USD) hitting $122,000 before settling around $120,000. The rally reflects a potent mix of investor optimism, favorable policy signals from the Trump administration, and growing institutional adoption.

The cryptocurrency market’s momentum accelerated following President Trump’s nomination of Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors and an executive order paving the way for 401(k) retirement plans to include crypto investments. This policy shift could make digital assets more accessible to millions of retirement savers.

At the same time, inflows into Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have reached record levels, and more public companies are adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets as part of a long-term diversification strategy.

Ethereum Joins the Rally

Bitcoin wasn’t alone in benefiting from bullish sentiment. Ethereum (ETH-USD), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, reached price levels not seen since 2021. Ethereum has surged roughly 190% since April’s market lows, as companies increasingly view it as a strategic asset tied to decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructure.

Institutional players are not just betting on price appreciation — they are also investing in Ethereum for its role in powering digital assets like stablecoins and NFTs. This dual appeal of technology and investment potential continues to strengthen Ethereum’s position in the market.

Macro Tailwinds: Fed Rate Cuts and Monetary Policy Shifts

The Bitcoin price surge has also been fueled by macroeconomic expectations. Investors anticipate the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in September. Lower rates tend to make risk assets like cryptocurrencies more attractive, as borrowing costs decline and liquidity increases.

According to Sean Farrell, head of digital asset strategy at Fundstrat, “If the Fed is cutting into an economy that is still growing, with unemployment in check and inflation elevated, that is a macro cocktail that should favor allocation to crypto.”

Stephen Miran, Trump’s nominee for the Fed board, has historically supported a weaker U.S. dollar policy — a stance that typically benefits commodities, equities, and crypto assets. Such a policy shift could help sustain higher Bitcoin prices over the longer term.

Regulatory Tailwinds from Washington

Policy changes under the Trump administration have provided a clear boost to crypto markets. Last week’s executive order directing the Department of Labor to explore allowing cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans marked a significant milestone.

This move would integrate crypto into the traditional retirement system, potentially unlocking billions in fresh investment capital. Trump’s public and private endorsements of Bitcoin, as well as remarks from Eric Trump urging investors not to “bet against BTC and ETH,” have further reinforced market confidence.

Short-Term Froth, Long-Term Potential

While some analysts caution that the market may be overheated in the short term, many believe the Bitcoin price surge reflects deeper structural changes. Tom Essaye, founder of Sevens Report Research, observed, “The administration is pushing crypto. They are pushing Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the lead dog in the crypto market… longer term, there are some fundamental changes here that I think are bullish for it and will send it much higher in the future.”

If institutional adoption continues to accelerate, and regulatory conditions remain favorable, Bitcoin could see sustained growth beyond the current rally. For now, both Bitcoin and Ethereum’s gains highlight the powerful combination of policy support, macroeconomic shifts, and technological relevance driving the digital asset market forward. And with more traditional investors beginning to view Bitcoin as a legitimate hedge against inflation and currency risk, the foundations for continued expansion appear stronger than ever — setting the stage for potential new all-time highs in the months ahead.

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HONG KONG, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cango Inc. (NYSE: CANG) (“Cango” or the “Company”), today announced the acquisition of a fully operational 50 MW mining facility in Georgia, USA, for a total cash consideration of US$19.5 million – a pivotal step marking the Company’s transition into a diverse strategy that manages a robust portfolio of Bitcoin mining and energy infrastructure.

This transaction represents Cango’s first step to steadily increase its portfolio of owned and operated mining facilities. By selectively acquiring low-cost power operations, Cango aims to enhance operational efficiency, cost discipline, and long-term financial resilience—while establishing the foundation for a more advanced energy strategy in the future.

The facility has hosted Cango’s miners under a third-party hosting agreement. Following this acquisition, Cango will allocate 30 MW to its self-mining operations and 20 MW to hosting services for third-party clients. Fully equipped with essential mining infrastructure, accommodation, and support facilities, the facility enables a seamless transition for Cango. With this acquisition, Cango will begin developing in-house operational expertise required for managing self-owned mining sites, strengthening the Company’s technical and managerial foundation.  As this infrastructure is put in place, Cango is also laying the strategic groundwork for a gradual pivot towards supplying energy for high-performance computing (HPC) applications, further expanding the long-term potential of its sites beyond Bitcoin mining while leveraging operational and technical expertise developed in-house.

Mr. Peng Yu, CEO of Cango, said, “This acquisition is a critical milestone and marks the beginning of our vertical integration as we transition towards a more diversified and resilient portfolio of Bitcoin mining sites and energy infrastructure. By integrating long-term power supply agreements into our portfolio and developing new revenue streams, we are optimizing power costs, expanding operational capacity, and reinforcing our financial sustainability. This acquisition aligns with our long-term vision to become the leading mining and energy solutions provider.” 

Investor Relations Contact

Juliet YE, Head of Communications
Cango Inc.
Email: ir@cangoonline.com 

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