If you were hoping to buy some of NASA’s great photos as NFTs, you’re going to be disappointed because the agency isn’t particularly fond of this technology.
NASA is already at the forefront of technology in many disciplines, and continues to be one of the world’s great engines of innovation. But it’s not because we are a forward-looking institution that we necessarily have to throw ourselves all the new trends; the agency has proven this by recalling its position on the issue of Non-Fungible Tokens. (NFTS)
These virtual objects are in essence Property titles digital objects (including images) presented as currently tamper-proof, because they are based on blockchain technology, the same as that which underpins the world of cryptocurrencies. It is an extremely divisive subject; some see it as an economic bubble based on wind, others see it as the future of culture and entertainment.
But wherever you place yourself on this spectrum, what is undeniable is that these tokens are very popular right now. Real fortunes are exchanged every day through this intermediary. A situation that has allowed some individuals, sometimes very young, to make a fortune overnight.
One would therefore expect NASA to also enter the dance. After all, the agency has a status that could instantly make it a titan in this market. She regularly produces exceptional images from an aesthetic point of view; moreover, they are also of great scientific and symbolic value. Some observers therefore felt that NASA might want to capitalize on it.
A question of brand image
But to the chagrin of potential customers who were already ready to checkout, the institution has simply cut short this discussion: there will never be, under any pretext, an NFT in the colors of NASA. Point bar. The reason given: it is a matter of controlling its brand image.
“NFTs are, in essence, digital tokens owned by an individual in the form of a “unique” computerized product in the world. NASA does not wish to associate its image with it, and does not wish its image to be used for these purposes.”, insists the agency in a press release. She then goes on firmly with a warning to the clever little ones who would be tempted to try to produce NFTs stamped “NASA” in the nose and beard of the agency. “It is illegal to claim copyright – or any other right – in material produced by NASA”, insists the agency.
This copyright obviously concerns the NASA logos. But it also covers all of the agency’s photos, videos, or other digital content. And she really, really doesn’t want to see them end up as NFTs. “NASA does not approve any form of monetization in connection with NFTs, as they do not fall within the category of products approved by the agency for monetization.”, can also be read in the new business guidelines of the agency.
This is a decision that will certainly disappoint fans of this new technology. Space enthusiasts who would have liked to have a little piece of the sky all to themselves will also be gloomy. But at the end of the day, it’s certainly the most pragmatic decision what the agency could take in relation to its rather special status. It avoids a possible image problem, and also sends an almost philosophical message at the same time: space does not belong to anyone, neither in international space law… nor in the form of NFTs, apparently.
