UK scientists develop new currency for space travellers

British scientists have reportedly designed a new currency that could be used by inter-planetary travellers in the future.Called the Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination, or Quid, the new currency has been designed to withstand the stress of space travel and has no sharp edges or chemicals that could hurt space tourists.

London, Oct. 6 : British scientists have reportedly designed a new currency that could be used by inter-planetary travellers in the future.Called the Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination, or Quid, the new currency has been designed to withstand the stress of space travel and has no sharp edges or chemicals that could hurt space tourists.

It was designed for the foreign exchange company Travelex by scientists from the National Space Centre and the University of Leicester, reports The Times.

According to Professor George Fraser, things like cash, sharp-edged coins, credit or debit cards cannot be used in space, and could pose a major risk to astronauts.

Quids are made of the polymer best-known for its use in non-stick pans. The Quid "coins" have moulded edges so that they will not damage anything if they accidentally float free in zero gravity.

National Space Centre scientists predict that regular trips into space will be commonplace in the next five years and that tourist facilities on the Moon are a distinct possibility by 2050.

Professor Fraser told BBC News: "With an inflatable space hotel, from Bigelow Aerospace, under development in the US, and Virgin Galactic developing SpaceShipTwo, there will be better access to space than there has been.

Travelex said: "It's only a matter of time before people will be walking up to our shops and asking for Quids for their two weeks in a space hotel."

It is currently quoting the currency at 6.25 pounds to the Quid.

ANI