The Filecoin Foundation is exploring a space for a decentralized storage system

“Interplanetary File System”

This project, in cooperation with the famous aerospace company Lockheed Martin, represents the culmination of nearly three years of joint efforts. According to Belcher, one of the project's leading figures, this technology was intended from the beginning to facilitate long-distance networks, such as those in space, which gave rise to the name “interplanetary file system.”

Belcher stressed that decentralized systems are more efficient for satellite communications than traditional centralized systems. He explained that communications from the Moon or Mars to Earth are experiencing significant delays, which is a problem that central systems cannot solve. Belcher believes that the solution lies in a decentralized system that uses a content identification system, allowing files to be accessed from the nearest satellite. This means that when someone is near the satellite, the system automatically retrieves the nearest file, making communication more efficient.

Data verification is another feature

Another advantage of IPFS, according to Belcher, is the possibility of verifying data. The system uses cryptographic verification to ensure that data has not been altered, which is particularly useful in validating satellite images. Any change in data will lead to a change in the content identifier, which is a direct indication of tampering.

Belcher also noted the benefits of a decentralized structure in the context of challenges such as radiation and space debris. He explained that storing files in space can be risky due to these factors, but a decentralized system avoids this problem by allowing files to be retrieved from multiple locations. This greatly increases reliability, as corruption of a single file has no impact on the entire network.