Avalanche is expanding its reach into space, collaborating with SkyMapper to create a network that verifies telescope data in real-time. This network, known as SkyMapper L1, gathers data from various telescopes and sensors worldwide, converting each observation into a secure digital record. This 'Proof of Space Observation' (POSO) serves as proof that a specific celestial event occurred, when it happened, and that the data remains unaltered. 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 production-scale integration of institutional science into a blockchain-based verification system. The system addresses the growing issue of data explosion from satellites, drones, and space missions, and the difficulty of verifying data integrity. By leveraging blockchain technology, SkyMapper creates a permanent, tamper-resistant record of each observation that can be independently verified. The network operates by validating observations in real-time, cryptographically signing the data, and transmitting it through SkyMapper's infrastructure.
Instead of storing data in a central database, SkyMapper distributes it across a decentralized storage network while saving a digital fingerprint on the Avalanche blockchain. This allows anyone to verify the data's authenticity and integrity. The network utilizes smart contracts to organize and control access to the data, ensuring sensitive information remains private while scientific research can be shared openly. The result is a system where each observation can be independently verified, enabling users to confirm the recording time and location, verify the data's integrity, and trace it back to its source.