.space

Status:	Delegated
Registry Provider:	ARI Registry Services
Type:	Generic
Category:	Technology
More information:

.space is a new TLD that was proposed in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant and now Registry Operator is Radix (DotSpace Inc.). .space is one of 31 applications that was submitted by Radix. Their application succeeded and was delegated to the Root Zone on 30 May 2014.

Radix is part of the Directi Group, specifically formed to apply for new TLDs.

Background

GAC Early Warning

Radix received a GAC Early Warning as an entire applicant, where each one of the applicants was flagged by the U.S. Government. This seems to be the only time a portfolio applicant had all of their applications warned. The issue does not deal with the technical capabilities or thematic content of their applications, but rather the inclusion of an email address associated with the US' Federal Bureau of Investigation. It seems that Radix included correspondence with this address as a recommendation with each of their applications.

Application Details

The following is excerpted from the applicant's reply to question #18:

"The mission of .space is to serve as a blank canvas on the Internet, for anyone across the globe. Our namespace is not specialized, or themed. It is open to all, regardless of country of origin, profession, industry, speciality, interest or hobby. It is boundless and multi-dimensional. Our name space is wide open for everyone to paint their dreams.

With .Space, the possibilities are endless. .Space always welcomes expansion and abundance. Registrants will find their choice of domain names, and allow for unrestricted, uncategorized innovation and growth. .Space will remain always open to new frontiers, exploration and innovation in all fields of human endeavour. With .Space, individuals, businesses, entrepreneurs, communities, entities, hobbyists, students and anyone else can get their preferred choice of name.

Too often today, when a potential registrant goes to a registrar’s site to register a new domain name, the domain name is unavailable and the registrant is presented with a long list of permutation options that are not their preferred choice – either for the name or the TLD. Our research shows that today, close to 70% of all .com ‘check-availability’ lookups result in names not being available (Internal Research data). The registrant is left with no choice but to register substandard names that do not exactly denote what visitors should expect to find on the website.

The .Space Registry will aim to serve as an open and available-to-all namespace, which we positively believe, will invite innovation and fresh possibilities at a global level."

Contract Signed

On 3 April 2014 Radix received a Registry Agreement signed by ICANN for .space after passing all the required processes needed to become a Registry Operator for the string.

Delegation and Availability

.space was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on 30 May, 2014, completing the successful application for the string.

Governmental Advisory Committee. Considers and provides advice on the activities of ICANN as they relate to concerns of governments, particularly matters where there may be an interaction between ICANN's policies and various laws and international agreements or where they may affect public policy issues (ICANN Bylaws).

Top-Level Domain