Space Money: Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination
Scientists are once again up to their formidable best with their newest invention for space travel: currency. For use by inter-planetary travelers - expected to be increasing over the next five to 40 years - this new currency will act as the safe and reliable intergalactic currency Star Trek fans would love.
Just like the ashtrays and utensils aboard a submarine though, this
space currency had to live up to some very specific specifications,
specifications that will hinder any damage done to expensive equipment.
The Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination – or Quid for short
as interplanetary vernacular demands – had to be completely free of
sharp edges, such as would be found on coins. Magnetic strips and
electronic chips such as are found embedded within our credit cards
would be also prove useless as they would be fried by cosmic radiation.
In addition, the currency had to be completely independent of
itself, unlike electronic banking, which would be useless in space due
to the great distances signals would have to travel for confirmation,
making for some rather lengthy check-out times.
To meet these design specifications, the scientists from the
National Space Centre and the University of Leicester developed coins
with molded edges, so that if they do manage to go spinning off in the
zero gravity, they will not damage anything.
Made from the polymer that is best known for its role in the
“non-stick” cookware market, these coins were made at the bequest of
Travelex, the foreign exchange juggernaut that so many people visit on
their way through an international airport.
"It's only a matter of time,” said a Travelex representative, “before people will be walking up to our shops and asking for Quids for their two weeks in a space hotel."
And space hotels – and other touristy ventures – are not totally out
of the realm of possibility any more. Bigelow Aerospace is already
developing their own inflatable space hotel, following in the
successful wake of its Genesis I and II inflatable spacecraft.
Add to the equation Virgin’s own SpaceShipTwo planning to make
regular trips to the great beyond, the idea of inventing a universal
currency is not as far fetched as you might originally think. However,
Star Trek fans will be the first to tell you, that as a planet, we are
nowhere near a communal brotherhood where we can all share the same
views and goals.
If you’re wondering, at the moment, the Quid is quoted as being £6.25GBP and $12.75USD.
Posted by Josh Hill.
Story Links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7029564.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5173388.stm
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