A Cubesat-based satellite. Source: University of TokyoFrom orbit, the BitSats will be able to broadcast out as nodes, providing transaction information via solved blocks. It’s the partnership with Deep Space Industries’ design and engineering that will help get the project off the ground.Garzik, who is also a senior software developer at BitPay, thinks space is a tool to help bitcoin:“I believe space holds the promise of our future, and also offers a lot of utility right now.”The joint project is expected to allow users to access a downlink from the satellites to access the information from space. This downlink will be provided by a vendor, however bitcoin enthusiasts will be able to set up their own receiving equipment.Donation effortA plan to launch bitcoin satellites into space may sound audacious, but it is certainly not a joke. Garzik first told CoinDesk about the plan back in December, and that the costs associated with the project are estimated at $2m, given the burgeoning private space industry lowering the expense getting objects into orbitIn order to fund the project, Garzik and his collaborators are looking to raise money. There is a Google Group for discussion and updates on the BitSat project’s progress and there is also a donation address for those interested in contributing.And it seems other bitcoin fanatics are also space enthusiasts: Richard Branson recently confirmed that six passengers reserving seats on future Virgin Galactic orbital flights paid for tickets in bitcoin.High orbit image via ShutterstockBitSatjeff garzikspaceVirgin GalacticOriginal author: Daniel Cawrey