Ripple, Mt. Gox Founder Bets $1 Billion That He Can Replace the International Space Station

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Space Station Pioneer: Jed McCaleb’s Ambitious Plan to Build a Vast Space Station

What do you do after amassing a fortune from cryptocurrency? Build a space station, of course.

That’s exactly what Ripple co-founder Jed McCaleb is doing, according to a report by Bloomberg. McCaleb, a longtime industry pioneer, is investing his estimated $3.2 billion fortune, largely from XRP sales, into Vast Space, a California-based aerospace company he founded in 2021.

From the Moon to the Stars

McCaleb’s $1 billion bet is that Vast Space can build and launch a functioning space station. The goal is to become a candidate to replace the International Space Station, scheduled for decommissioning in 2030. For McCaleb, it’s about taking a leap from where we are today to a potential world where there’s a lot of people living off the Earth. "It’s super important that people take this leap," he told Bloomberg. "There’s not that many folks that are willing to dedicate the amount of resources and time and risk tolerance that I am."

Artificial Gravity and Modular Design

Vast Space develops artificial gravity space stations. Many of its employees bring aerospace experience, including refugees from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. These orbital habitats are designed to simulate gravity by rotating to create centrifugal force while offering the comforts of home.

First Launch

The company recently revealed the final design for Haven-1, its first station module. To put Haven-1 into orbit, Vast is partnering with SpaceX, which will use its Falcon9 rockets to carry Vast’s Haven-1 modules into space. According to the Vast website, the first launch of Haven-1 is scheduled for May 2026 for a two-week mission above the Earth.

Modular Design and Expansion

While Haven-1 is a single module designed to operate independently or dock with SpaceX boosters, the next-generation Haven-2 is being developed as a modular system. Several Haven-2 units could be connected to form a larger, expandable station.

Public-Private Partnerships

Public-sector space agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency, are increasingly turning to private-sector companies to get the astronauts and resources they need into space and back. McCaleb is among a growing number of private citizens stepping up to meet that need, including Musk, Richard Branson, and Jeff Bezos.

The Future of Space Exploration

A successful launch in May will strengthen Vast’s place in the emerging private space race, and securing a NASA contract would be essential for the company’s long-term viability.

Conclusion

Jed McCaleb’s ambitious plan to build a vast space station is a testament to the growing trend of private investment in space exploration. With his estimated $3.2 billion fortune, McCaleb is poised to make a significant impact on the future of space travel and habitation.

FAQs

• What is Vast Space?
  Vast Space is a California-based aerospace company founded by Jed McCaleb in 2021.

• What is the goal of Vast Space?
  The goal of Vast Space is to build and launch a functioning space station, aiming to become a candidate to replace the International Space Station.

• What is the design of the space station?
  Vast Space is developing artificial gravity space stations with modular design, allowing for expansion and connection of multiple modules.

• When is the first launch of Haven-1?
  The first launch of Haven-1 is scheduled for May 2026 for a two-week mission above the Earth.

• Who is partnering with Vast Space?
  Vast Space is partnering with SpaceX to put its Haven-1 modules into orbit using Falcon9 rockets.