Reaching for the Moon: An Interview with Pavlo Tanasyuk

Question: Your company, Spacebit, took part in the first American mission to the moon in 50 years sine Apollo. Can you tell us about this mission and its significance?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: Absolutely. Partnering with Astrobotic as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, Spacebit was honored to contribute to this historic mission, which is the first U.S. lunar endeavor since the Apollo era. This mission represents a renaissance in lunar exploration, symbolizing a bold return to the moon with advanced technologies and renewed global collaboration under the Artemis Accords. The mission also included a range of scientific instruments designed to study the lunar surface, measure radiation levels, and test innovative technologies, paving the way for future exploration and sustainable human presence on the moon.

The Artemis Accords are particularly exciting because they pave the way for international partnerships in space exploration. Unlike the Apollo missions, which were primarily a national effort, the Artemis program represents a global initiative, inviting nations to work together to establish a sustainable presence on the moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars. Spacebit is proud to be part of this new era, where collaboration and innovation are driving humanity's journey to the stars.

Q: Historically, there was an unofficial tiny painting sent during the Apollo missions. How does your project differ, and what does it represent for humanity?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: During the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, the "Moon Museum," a small ceramic wafer, was clandestinely attached to the lunar module. It featured works by notable artists, including Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg. While innovative, it was an unofficial act.

Our project, led by Spacebit, is the first officially sanctioned mission to send a painting to the Moon. The painting, created by Sacha Jafri, embodies themes of freedom, kindness, and unity. This is not just an artistic milestone but a deliberate statement about humanity’s creative and exploratory spirit. It’s an invitation for people worldwide to see space as a shared domain where we work together to achieve extraordinary things.

Q: What inspired the artistic elements of the painting, such as the words “freedom” and “kindness,” and how does it reflect your mission’s goals?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: Sacha Jafri’s painting is deeply symbolic. Words like “freedom” and “kindness” are universal values that resonate with people from all walks of life. These messages reflect our aspirations for a more united, peaceful world and remind us of our shared humanity.

We also included crypto elements like the Tron logo, which plays a central role in the painting. This wasn’t just about technology but about creating a message of hope and progress, showing how art, space, and decentralized innovation can come together to inspire a better future.

Q: The painting prominently features the Tron and Tether logos. Can you elaborate on their inclusion and how they align with your vision for space exploration?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: Incorporating the Tron and Tether logos into the painting symbolizes the convergence of blockchain technology and space exploration. This fusion represents a new era where technological innovation and creativity intersect beyond our planet.

Since 2013, I've envisioned supporting space initiatives through cryptocurrency. Tron, with its mission to "decentralize the web" and empower content creators, aligns perfectly with this vision. Its decentralized platform enables direct interaction without intermediaries, fostering a more inclusive and open digital ecosystem.

By featuring these logos, we aim to inspire a future where decentralized technologies play a pivotal role in space exploration, promoting collaboration and innovation on a cosmic scale.

It's worth noting that Sacha Jafri, the artist behind this painting, previously created "The Journey of Humanity," recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest canvas painting. This monumental work was sold at auction in Dubai for $62 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold by a living artist. This achievement underscores Jafri's commitment to creating art that transcends boundaries and unites people, aligning seamlessly with the themes of our lunar mission.

Q: Does this mean the Tron logo was the first cryptocurrency logo to reach the moon?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: Technically, yes. The Tron logo is the first cryptocurrency logo to reach lunar orbit. This milestone is significant not only for the crypto community but also for humanity’s broader narrative of progress.
Tron represents empowerment and decentralization, and by reaching the moon, we’re embedding these values into the story of space exploration. It’s a bold statement that blockchain technology is not confined to Earth—it’s now part of humanity’s cosmic journey.

Q: Looking ahead, what is the future of space exploration, and how does Spacebit plan to contribute to it?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: The future of space exploration is incredibly exciting. It’s not just about returning to the moon but about creating sustainable habitats, exploring Mars, and eventually venturing even further. Collaboration between nations and private companies will be key to achieving these goals.

At Spacebit, we’re committed to being at the forefront of this journey. We’re developing the Asagumo robot, a legged lunar rover designed to navigate the moon’s challenging terrain. It will fly on one of our upcoming missions, showcasing cutting-edge robotics in space exploration. Additionally, we’re exploring new ways to integrate decentralized technologies into space projects, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

Ultimately, space exploration is about humanity’s shared future. It’s about breaking down barriers and working together to achieve the impossible. At Spacebit, we’re proud to be part of this journey and to contribute to a future where the stars belong to everyone.

Through this visionary endeavor, Pavlo Tanasyuk, Spacebit, and Sacha Jafri have not only made history but also paved the way for future collaborations that merge art, technology, and space exploration, inviting all of humanity to partake in this extraordinary journey.

On February 8, 2025, at Kennedy Space Center, Spacebitwill unveil the physical version of the Constitution at a special event. The event will be organized by Elledgy Media Group, led by Elvira Gavrilova , and will showcase the collaborative efforts behind the historic mission.

Q: In 2024, you sent the Tron logo to the moon as part of a groundbreaking mission. Was there anything interesting launched during the January 15, 2025 mission?

Pavlo Tanasyuk: Yes, absolutely! Among several fascinating items, we sent pictures drawn by children to emphasize the importance of fostering creativity and financial literacy at a young age. We also included the CZ Foundation's Giggle Academy logo as a cover picture. The foundation is doing incredible work in promoting financial literacy and education, and this was our way of supporting and amplifying their mission on a global, even extraterrestrial, scale. It’s a symbolic gesture to inspire future generations to dream big and achieve great things.