💵 OP-ED: Space Bonds can democratize the financing of humanity's journey to Mars

Besides the rise of AI two trends have emerged:

The first is the ambition to reach Mars. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s ambitious 2016 timeline to reach Mars by 2024 has not been met, underscoring the immense technical and financial challenges.

The second trend is the unquestionable rise of blockchain technology and the institutional and government adoption of Bitcoin, which has now gone from strange to mainstream.

The convergence of these two trends creates perfect timing, a unique opportunity to establish a platform for a new financing model that combines the power of decentralization with the vision of becoming a multiplanetary species.

From Conquistadors to Columbus: People Build the Future

History shows that major explorations and expeditions were initially funded by institutions and states, but it was always the people who created lasting ecosystems.

For instance, the discovery of the New World was financed by European monarchies and trading companies like the East India Company. However, it was the courageous settlers and workers who built communities, infrastructure, and economies.

During the space race, countries like the USA and the Soviet Union led advancements, but today’s commercial space ecosystem thrives thanks to innovations and investments from entrepreneurs and the private sector.

The Mars project, with its unique challenges and opportunities, follows this historical pattern. Government and institutional funding can pave the way, but it is through people that the sustainable ecosystems for Mars will be built. Early incentives must reflect this reality to mentally prepare humanity for what lies ahead.

The Challenge: Funding Mars

Despite Elon Musk’s impressive net worth and SpaceX’s progress, it is clear that the resources are insufficient to establish a base, let alone colonize Mars, within our lifetime. High net worth figures on paper are one thing, but converting them into liquid assets for a project of this scale is entirely different. Sorry Elon, you are not rich enough!

From where we are now to a thriving space economy, we believe the approach must come in stages. A Mars settlement with a viable economic ecosystem is the first cornerstone of this vision. Many milestones need to be met, and all of them require funding. We think the ideological incentive should be accompanied by a financial one, and the fewer parties involved, the more vulnerable the effort becomes.

Additionally, a self-sustaining economic ecosystem on Mars is essential, a challenge that remains unsolved.

The Solution: Space Bonds

Enter Space Bonds—a modern interpretation of the classic “war bonds” used to finance wartime efforts in the last century. Space Bonds, however, serve peaceful intentions, designed to mobilize resources and unite humanity for one of our era’s greatest adventures: colonizing Mars.

How Does It Work?

Space Bonds are crypto-based tokens leveraging blockchain technology. Unlike expensive and inaccessible shares that offers a few ownership, these tokens are linked directly to SpaceX’s performance, development, and future revenues. Token holders can:

• Invest Globally: Participate using fiat currency, cryptocurrencies, credits, or stocks.
• Benefit from Value Growth: Token value increases as SpaceX achieves milestones, from Starlink revenues to future Mars mining operations.
• Enjoy Long-Term Returns: Gain dividends from business developments related to patents, tourism, or the space industry.
• Realize Short- to Medium-Term Gains: As tradeable tokens on major global exchanges, progress in Mars colonization will increase demand for the limited number of Space Bonds, driving significant value appreciation, even at a very early stage.
• Win Citizenship: Inspired by the U.S. Green Card Lottery, Space Bonds offer the “Mars Citizenship Lottery,” where every token holder has a chance to win a “RED CARD.”

The Advantages of Space Bonds

1. Massive Fundraising: Global accessibility engages a wide audience, from small investors to institutional stakeholders.
2. Motivational Factor for Humanity: Investors contribute financially and become part of a historic movement.
3. Reduced Dependence on Governments: Space Bonds decrease reliance on state funding and democratize access to space.
4. Accelerated Resource Gathering: A global financing base helps achieve goals faster.
5. Inclusivity: Space Bonds invite participation from all societal groups, including both the “banked” and “unbanked,” introducing previously excluded demographics to the financial ecosystem on Earth, unlocking untapped capital.

A Project for the World

Space Bonds are not just about financing—they are a movement that unites people under a common vision. By investing in these tokens, individuals become part of something far greater than themselves. We are not just building a future for ourselves but for generations to come.

Elon Musk has said humanity must become a multiplanetary species to secure its future. Space Bonds could be the tool to make this possible. It is time to let the world join this historic venture and create a future where Mars is not just a dream but a reality.

Ignorance is a Choice: How Space Bonds Can Create a Global Ikigai

Why should we do this? Take this publication as an example. Warp News’ mission is to be a force for optimism. They challenge the legacy media and the algorithms driving big tech platforms that have created a disproportionate focus on negative content. WHY? If successful in countering this global culture of negativity, people will have a better quality of life, and generations to come will have hope for the future.

Just like Warp, I strongly believe that if humanity has a vision, a goal, and a dream, it will not just make us optimistic, it will unite us.

That is why we believe in bold projects like getting humanity to Mars. Concepts like Space Bonds could incentivize and invite everyone to participate in shaping this journey, a global Ikigai. Together, we can take the driver’s seat and steer ourselves toward a glorious future. And just like Warp, I believe that both as individuals and as a species, the best is yet to come.

Oskar Söderström
Entrepreneur, space enthusiast and ambassador for Warp News