Avalanche is extending its reach beyond finance into space, introducing a network designed to verify telescope data in real-time. SkyMapper's dedicated Avalanche-based network cryptographically records observations from telescopes globally, creating secure digital records. This network, known as SkyMapper L1, collects data from various telescopes and sensors, generating a 'Proof of Space Observation' (POSO) that proves the occurrence, timing, and authenticity of celestial events.
These verified records can be utilized by scientists, businesses, or government agencies requiring reliable space data. The SETI Institute is contributing live observational data, marking a significant integration of institutional science into a blockchain-based verification system. SkyMapper addresses the growing issue of data explosion from satellites, drones, and space missions, and the difficulty of verifying data integrity.
By leveraging blockchain, the team aims to create permanent, tamper-resistant records of observations that can be independently verified. The system validates observations in real-time, cryptographically signing data and creating a unique fingerprint. This fingerprint is then stored on the Avalanche blockchain, enabling anyone to confirm the data's authenticity.
The network utilizes smart contracts to organize and control access to data, allowing for both private and public data sharing. The result is a system where each observation can be independently verified, ensuring the integrity and transparency of space exploration data. 'We're building blockchain infrastructure for real-world impact,' said Emin Gün Sirer, founder and CEO of Ava Labs. 'SkyMapper's work anchoring observatory data on Avalanche demonstrates how this technology can transform science, providing tamper-proof, verifiable telescope records.'