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"As space tourism programs are opening space travel to 'the rest of us' this drives questions about the commercialization of space. We are launching PayPal Galactic, in conjunction with leaders in the scientific community, to increase public awareness of the important questions that need to be addressed," said David Marcus, PayPal's President. "We may not answer these questions today or even this year, but one thing is clear, we won't be using cash in space. PayPal has already pushed payments into the Internet, onto phones and across terrestrial borders. We look forward to pushing payments from our world to the next, and beyond." "Trips to Mars, the moon, even orbit will require we provide astronauts and astro-tourists with as many comforts from home as possible, including how to pay each other," said Astronaut and author Buzz Aldrin. "Whether it's paying a bill, even helping a family member on Earth, we'll need access to money. I think humans will reach Mars, and I would like to see it happen in my lifetime. When that happens I won't be surprised if people use PayPal Galactic for the little things and the big ones." This visionary program, spearheaded by PayPal, working with the SETI Institute, aims to bring together leaders in the space industry to work on the big questions around the commercialization of space. These include: "PayPal and the SETI Institute are well-matched to work on PayPal Galactic because together we can create a recipe for innovation," said Jill Tarter, the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for the SETI Institute. "PayPal envisions exploring possibilities in space the way that we do, breaking boundaries to make real progress. When the SETI Institute succeeds in its exploration of the universe, and as we find our place among the stars, PayPal will be there to facilitate commerce, so people can get what they need, and want, to live outside of our planet." Already the need for a galactic payment system exists. Astronauts inhabiting space stations still need to pay for life's necessities — from their bills back on Earth to their entertainment, like music and e-books, while in space. "Within five to ten years the earliest types of 'space hotels' and orbital and lunar commerce will be operational and in need of a payment system," said John Spencer, founder and president of the Space Tourism Society. The launch of PayPal Galactic commences in conjunction with the celebration of PayPal's 15th Anniversary. Founded in 1998, the company has since grown its service of a faster, safer way to pay and get paid online to more than 128 million active accounts in 193 markets. | ||||||||
| cspg | We can't lift our sorry little butts into orbit yet the FIRST question that comes to their minds is how to pay for the pizza we'll be eating somewhere in the solar system. Some folks have way too much free time on their hands... Paypal: 128 million customers out of 7 billion. Can do better, no? SETI: found anything lately? no. And since Buzz wants to send people to Mars on a one-way ticket, who cares what currency they'll be using? | |||||||
| gliderpilotuk | With the current state of space exploration, for Paypal it's a case of "No Buck Rogers = no bucks" | |||||||
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