Key Notes
- Arweave is sending its Genesis Block to the moon using advanced molecular storage on synthetic DNA.
- The data, stored by Iridia, can endure for thousands of years with minimal energy consumption.
- The Genesis Block will be housed in a metal pyramid on a lunar lander, protected by shielded nanotechnology.
Decentralized storage network Arweave has taken its ambition to a new level by sending its Genesis Block to the moon. The Genesis Block will be transported to the lunar surface using molecular storage data technology on synthetic DNA. The data will be sent aboard a lunar lander on January 15th, where it will remain preserved indefinitely upon reaching the moon’s surface.
The company stated that its Genesis Block is stored as synthetic DNA, created by molecular technology company Iridia. This technology allows for highly durable and dense data storage, capable of lasting thousands of years while using minimal energy. The Genesis Block will be delivered to the moon by LifeShip, a space exploration firm.
A Lunar Archive to Preserve Knowledge for Millennia
Arweave explained that the stable environment of the moon, free from Earth’s weather and natural disruptions, ensures the data will remain intact for millennia. A small metal pyramid inside the lunar lander will house Arweave’s Genesis Block, protected by Iridia’s advanced shielded nanotechnology. This molecular storage is designed to endure for millennia, creating a unique lunar archive for future generations.
Sam Williams, the founder of Forward Research and Arweave, described the Genesis Block as the starting point of Arweave’s mission to preserve the world’s knowledge and history. He remarked:
“The Genesis Block is where Arweave’s mission to permanently store the world’s knowledge and history began. Early backers of the network in its 2017 crowdsale were able to choose a message in the network’s first block. Many wrote messages of hope and enthusiasm for where our community’s venture would lead. Today, nearly eight years and 12.3 billion pieces of stored data later, a surprising twist in the story: Their messages literally – as well as figuratively – went to the moon,” said Sam Williams, founder of Forward Research and Arweave.”
Williams added that the project demonstrates how Arweave facilitates the exploration of innovative storage technologies like molecular storage. Drawing a parallel with Bitcoin’s impact on lowering the cost of ASIC computation, he expressed hope that Arweave would similarly revolutionize data storage. He noted:
“On a more serious note, this playful venture highlights something much more important: The use of Arweave in testing new storage technologies – in this case, molecular storage. Just as Bitcoin helped lead a dramatic reduction in costs for the production of ASIC computation devices, we have always desired that Arweave will do the same for data storage.”
Buck Watia, Vice President of Product and Commercial at Iridia, also commented on the project. He emphasized that by collaborating with Arweave and LifeShip, they are taking a significant step toward preserving important data for the future. He added that Iridia’s molecular technology is not just about storing data, but also about preserving knowledge in a way that transcends the limits of time and space.
Temitope is a writer with more than four years of experience writing across various niches. He has a special interest in the fintech and blockchain spaces and enjoy writing articles in those areas. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in linguistics. When not writing, he trades forex and plays video games.
