Key Takeaways:
- DOGE-1, a CubeSat lunar mission made payments using only Dogecoin, is set to fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9.
- The satellite is scheduled for FCC license renewal in October and incorporation into the IM-3 lunar launch timeline.
- The DOJE ETF could debut in the United States during this week, making Dogecoin more accessible to institutional and retail investors.
Dogecoin (DOGE) is gaining traction in both space exploration and traditional finance. Apart from the excitement and buzz surrounding the ETF approval of Dogecoin under the ticker DOJE, a space exploration project called DOGE-1 is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
What Is DOGE-1?
DOGE-1 is a 12U CubeSat lunar mission planned by Geometric Energy Corporation (GEC) in collaboration with SpaceX. Unveiled in May 2021, the Lunar LSA contract was settled in Dogecoin, making it the first space expedition paid entirely in cryptocurrency.
The mission’s purpose is to launch a tiny satellite into lunar orbit to study the Moon and broadcast photographs and digital art back to Earth via the orbiter’s display screen. This not only solidifies Dogecoin’s place in space history but also represents its evolution from a humor coin to a technological sponsor.
To stay within budget, DOGE-1 is reusing Exobotics’ Mission Control Software and flight-proven hardware such as radios rather than ordering expensive new builds. This strategy saves millions of dollars and reduces the possibility of last-minute technical breakdowns.
The satellite has already been delivered to Maverick Space for powering up and integration, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license renewal deadline set for October 2025. Next steps include ground testing, rehearsals, and ultimate integration with the IM-3 lunar mission.
Dogecoin’s First U.S. ETF Could Go Live?
The first U.S. Dogecoin ETF (DOJE) received approval in an unexpected manner. Rather than going through the lengthy SEC approval procedure like Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs did, it was established under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This legal “back door” treats it more like a typical mutual fund or ETF, resulting in fewer regulatory difficulties.
Because of this structure, the fund is required to follow stronger diversification and custody regulations, including owning assets other than Dogecoin, which comforted regulators. Originally scheduled to commence on September 11, trade has been pushed back twice and is now anticipated to begin on September 18, 2025, according to Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas.
From supporting space exploration to joining Wall Street, Dogecoin continues to surprise and improve its position in the rapidly expanding digital economy.
