how skymapper works
SkyMapper is pioneering the world's first decentralized, blockchain-verified global telescope network.
Operating as a DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network), SkyMapper ensures that observations are provable, tamper-resistant, and widely accessible by leveraging AI, decentralized WEB3 storage, and blockchain technology, SkyMapper’s integrated community of telescopes is building a secure, efficient, and verifiably reliable data warehouse dedicated to serving the needs of science, safety, and the public good.
how skymapper works
SkyMapper connects compatible telescopes into a global observing network to observe, secure, and share the sky, letting the community control observations, track satellites, and capture real-time images for shared science and discovery.
observe
smart telescope
Your SkyMapper- compatible smart telescope: remotely automated, digital, connected.
skysphere
All-sky surveillance system for satellites, drones, meteors, UAPs.
connect
skybridge
Blockchain-protected device connects to smart telescopes and astronomy devices.
share
skyviewer
Log-in to this network user interface to control telescopes, track satellites, and capture images.
skymapper
observations workflow
Designed to guarantee provenance, availability, and verifiability while keeping cost and complexity low.
1. photo capture
Whether by you or through a remote network operator, SkyMapper captures an observation, a raw image or telemetry dataset, directly from a smart telescope or all-sky camera, which is wirelessly transmitted or via cable to the SkyBridge device, depending on the use case.
2. Store in decentralized storage
The full file is uploaded to a decentralized, distributed storage system (e.g., Avalanche or Akave). Storing large files off-chain keeps costs down and ensures wide availability while preserving decentralization.
3. Create a cryptographic proof
SkyMapper verifies a file without storing it on-chain by creating a cryptographic fingerprint (hash) of its bytes and capturing key provenance metadata. The hash and metadata are indexed on a permissioned blockchain (Avalanche Subnet).
4. Record the proof on-chain
The UUID and signed provenance are written to the blockchain in a single transaction. When that transaction is included in a block and accepted by the network, the proof becomes immutable and replicated across nodes, creating a permanent record that the observation existed exactly as captured.
5. Verify at any time
Anyone can fetch the stored file (public use case), recompute its fingerprint and compare it to the on-chain value. If they match, the file is proven authentic and unchanged, giving researchers, regulators and customers cryptographic assurance of provenance.
6. Orchestrate
and scale
and scale
SkyMapper’s software stack automates the image validation → indexing → storage → on-chain workflow so devices can reliably publish verifiable observations at scale. Our tooling and integrations handle connectivity, replication, and metadata, so contributors focus on capturing data.
skyviewer:
your window into the network
SkyViewer is the web app that lets researchers, operators and hobbyists view live telescope feeds, reserve time, run observations, and request verified data products. It’s the primary user-facing tool for requesting real-time observations and visualizing results.
secure sign in.
Users sign in with email or a crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask) to access the SkyViewer dashboard.
connect a telescope.
Users sign in with email or a crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask) to access the SkyViewer dashboard.
make observations.
In Explore/Astrophoto mode you pick a target, point the telescope (Ra/Dec filled automatically), start the observation, capture images from the live view, and upload the observation for verification. SkyViewer guides you through capture, save, upload and success messages.
Live, interactive viewing and image captures from community and professional telescopes.
Reservation and request workflows
SkyMapper allows users to either reserve dedicated telescope time through SkyReserve or submit observation requests. For mission-style requests, users receive verified data packages once suitable conditions are met. The platform supports both reservation and mission-style observation methods.
earn with skypoints,
your currency to the cosmos
SkyPoints is SkyMapper’s native currency that rewards operators, contributors and community members for building and supporting the network. Points align incentives for uptime, quality data, validation and community growth, and they convert into real utility across the platform.
earning skymapper rewards
SkyMapper contributors earn points and rewards through several key areas:
telescope infrastructure
Points are awarded for verified telescope uptime, registration, and the successful execution of observations.
scientific contribution
Rewards are given for successful observations (including observe, upload, and validation) and significant discovery events or campaign participation.
community engagement
Points and bonuses are provided for referrals, onboarding new users, and maintaining high engagement streaks.
boosts & consistency
Users can receive subscription multipliers and early participation bonuses. Consistent, high-quality contributions are further rewarded with monthly leader bonuses and streak multipliers.
using skypoints
SkyPoints can be spent to access and prioritize network services, platform features, and premium products. Common use cases include:
data & imaging
Pay for astrophotography services, per-dataset observation data, or bundled SkyPacks.
network actions
Reserve or priority access to telescope time (SkyReserve/PTO), convert points to task execution (execute PoSO or scheduled missions).
platform perks
Unlock premium features, offset subscription costs, enter mission campaigns, or purchase compute/data processing services.