What is Kaspa (KAS)?

Kaspa stands out in the realm of cryptocurrencies as a proof-of-work (PoW) digital currency harnessing the innovative GHOSTDAG protocol. Unlike conventional blockchains, GHOSTDAG revolutionizes consensus by avoiding the abandonment of parallel blocks, instead permitting their coexistence while establishing a consensus-driven order. The essence of Kaspa lies in its transformation into a blockDAG, offering a more versatile and efficient approach to blockchain architecture.

The blockchain landscape of Kaspa is characterized by remarkable features, most notably its capability to maintain high block rates. Presently achieving a block per second, Kaspa has its sights set on an ambitious goal of reaching 10 blocks per second, with an even more visionary aspiration of 100 blocks per second. This remarkable speed is accompanied by confirmation times that are markedly influenced by internet latency, ensuring swift and secure transactions.

Kaspa's implementation is replete with cutting-edge functionalities, including Reachability for querying the DAG's topology, Block data pruning, and forthcoming plans for block header pruning. Additionally, the inclusion of SPV proofs and upcoming subnetwork support positions Kaspa as a platform ready to facilitate the seamless integration of layer 2 solutions in the future. In essence, Kaspa emerges as a forward-thinking cryptocurrency, redefining the possibilities of blockchain technology with its novel consensus mechanism and a rich array of features poised for further advancements.

Who are the founders of Kaspa?

Kaspa, a groundbreaking cryptocurrency, materialized from the vision of DAGLabs, brought to fruition with investment support from PolyChain.The mastermind behind Kaspa is Yonatan Sompolinsky, a Postdoc in Computer Science at Harvard University, specializing in the MEV Research Team. Notably, Sompolinsky's 2013 paper detailing the Ghost protocol serves as a foundational reference, cited in the Ethereum Whitepaper.

The core development team and contributors of Kaspa boast a diverse skill set. Among them are Shai Wyborski, a Cryptography Doctoral student, Michael Sutton, a Computer Science Master, Mike Zak, pursuing Computer Science Undergraduate Studies, Elichai Turkel, a Cryptography researcher, and Ori Newman, a dedicated Developer. Their collective efforts have played a pivotal role in implementing and stabilizing the Kaspa network.

What Makes Kaspa Unique?

What sets Kaspa apart lies in its distinctive ability to uphold elevated block rates while preserving the robust security inherent in proof-of-work ecosystems. At present, Kaspa's main net successfully operates at an impressive speed of 1 block per second. Looking ahead, the dedicated team of core developers and researchers envisions pushing the boundaries further, aiming for an unprecedented 10 to 100 blocks per second.

Adding to its uniqueness, Kaspa implements an innovative monetary policy tied to the 12-note scale of music, known as the chromatic phase. Activated on May 7th, 2022, with an initial block reward of 440 KAS, this policy employs a gradual geometric decrease in emissions over time. The block reward undergoes a halving process annually but does so smoothly, reducing every month based on the (1/2)^(1/12) factor. This aligns with the tempered chromatic scale, maintaining a proportional ratio akin to the frequencies of consecutive semitones. Notably, this policy ensures a consistent emission rate regardless of potential future block rate adjustments.

Explain the network security of Kaspa.

The security of the Kaspa network is upheld by miners employing the Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism and leveraging the k-Heavyhash algorithm. Through PoW, miners contribute computational power to solve intricate mathematical problems, validating transactions and securing the network by adding blocks to the blockchain.

The algorithm of choice, k-Heavyhash, was strategically selected for its adaptability and forward compatibility, particularly in anticipation of integrating Photonic miners when they become available. This proactive approach reflects Kaspa's commitment to ensuring robust security measures while remaining agile in the face of evolving technological advancements.