Kaspa Information

Kaspa is a blockchain platform that utilizes a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus method. Uniquely, it features a blockDAG (Block Directed Acyclic Graph) architecture. This design enables the simultaneous coexistence of multiple blocks, effectively tackling the challenge of high orphan rates commonly seen in blockchains. In traditional blockchain systems, when two blocks are mined at the same time, typically only one is accepted, leading to the other being discarded. Kaspa’s blockDAG structure addresses this inefficiency by allowing parallel block acceptance.

Kaspa differentiates itself from traditional blockchains by using the GHOSTDAG protocol, enabling parallel block coexistence and consensus ordering. This ensures security while supporting high block rates, with current capabilities at one block per second, and aims to reach up to 100 blocks per second.

Kaspa’s notable features include reachability for querying the DAG’s topology, block data pruning, and cryptographic SPV proofs for transaction verification without needing the full blockchain. It also supports subnetworks for layer 2 solutions, enhancing functionality and scalability.

Kaspa was fair launched in November 2021, meaning no pre-mining, pre-sales or any coin allocations, embodying a commitment to equality and a community driven governance. $KAS has a maximum supply of 28.7B coins, with an emission schedule that follows a halving pattern once a year, via smooth monthly reductions. As of January 2024, the current circulating supply is 22.20B coins.

Originally, Kaspa’s development was spearheaded by the research and development firm DAGLabs, backed by funding from PolyChain. Over time, Kaspa has transformed into a decentralized community-driven project, operating without any central authority or specific business model.

The brain behind Kaspa is Yonatan Sompolinsky, a postdoctoral computer scientist at Harvard University and part of the MEV Research Team. Yonatan has made significant contributions to blockchain technology, evidenced by his influential 2013 paper on the Ghost protocol, which is referenced in the Ethereum Whitepaper.

Key contributors to the Kaspa project include a diverse team: Shai Wyborski, who is pursuing a doctorate in cryptography; Michael Sutton, a master’s student in computer science; Mike Zak, an undergraduate in computer science; Elichai Turkel, a researcher specializing in cryptography; and Ori Newman, a software developer.

Kaspa is mineable. It’s recognized as the fastest mineable proof-of-work coin globally, thanks to its blockDAG architecture that supports rapid block rates. This design promotes greater mining decentralization and makes solo mining more viable, even with lower hash rates.

Kaspa mining leverages kHeavyHash, an energy-efficient and core-dominant adaptation of the HeavyHash algorithm, suitable for GPU, FPGAs, and future specialized mining hardware.

The GHOSTDAG protocol, an advanced iteration of the Nakamoto Consensus, enables reduced block rates in a non-sharded network, thereby enhancing confirmation speeds and overall scalability. This protocol supports the concurrent production of blocks and maintains high block rates, contributing to an efficient and scalable blockchain infrastructure. In the Kaspa network, the implementation of GHOSTDAG is geared towards achieving even greater efficiency, targeting high block speeds per second, which enhances scalability and ensures extremely short confirmation times.

Furthermore, the GHOSTDAG protocol incorporates supplementary subprotocols that contribute to improved network performance. These include block data pruning, which reduces the blockchain’s size by removing non-essential block data, and SPV (Simple Payment Verification) proofs, allowing lightweight clients to verify transaction authenticity without the need to download the entire blockchain.

Kaspa stands as a community-centric project, free from centralized control. It was initiated with a fair launch, eschewing pre-mining practices to ensure a just and equal distribution of its coins, with no preferential access for early backers or developers. This approach is anchored in principles of collective ownership, shared responsibility, and proactive involvement, encouraging the growing Kaspa community to actively participate and influence the project’s direction.

To engage a broad range of contributors, Kaspa adopts a mix of strategic marketing initiatives, thorough documentation and resources, and an inclusive community governance model. This allows all members to engage and contribute significantly. Consequently, Kaspa nurtures a varied and welcoming international ecosystem, inviting everyone to contribute and help shape the future of the project.

When comparing Kaspa to other cryptocurrencies, its distinct features and potential in the digital currency market become apparent. Kaspa stands out from Bitcoin with attributes like quicker transaction confirmations and enhanced scalability, credited to its GHOSTDAG protocol.

Moreover, Kaspa offers superior scalability and transaction speed compared to cryptocurrencies such as Ripple, enabled by its GhostDAG protocol that facilitates almost instantaneous transactions. Distinctively, Kaspa is driven by its community and operates without central governance. These points of comparison highlight Kaspa’s unique qualities and its position in the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrencies.

• Network Name: Kaspa ($KAS)
• UCID: 20396
• Explorer URL: https://explorer.kaspa.org/

KAS has not been listed on several major exchanges, presenting potential growth opportunities upon future listings. Currently, Kaspa can be acquired on the following notable platforms: Gate.io, MEXC, KuCoin, Bybit, Bitget, and Uphold.

As of now, prominent hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor do not support Kaspa. The recommended ways to store Kaspa is through their dedicated wallets, available in both Desktop and Web versions, or using Tangem (this is a hardware wallet that enables users to manage their assets seamlessly through an app with a simple tap of the Tangem card on their phones). 

• Website: https://kaspa.org
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaspaCurrency
• Telegram: https://t.me/kaspaenglish
• Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kS3SK5F36R
• GitHub: https://github.com/kaspanet/
• Publications: https://kaspa.org/publications/