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With Galactica’s EVM foundations live and Hayabusa’s transformation of consensus and tokenomics complete, VeChain is ready to enter the next major phase of the Renaissance roadmap—Interstellar. 

Interstellar is designed to deepen VeChainThor’s compatibility with the wider Ethereum ecosystem, expand the capabilities available to developers and prepare the network for the next generation of applications. 

The first proposed upgrade in this phase, VIP-255, advances VeChainThor’s EVM from its current Shanghai-compatible implementation by adopting compatible execution-layer improvements introduced across Ethereum’s Cancun, Prague and Osaka releases. 

The Ethereum Virtual Machine is the most widely adopted smart-contract execution environment in Web3. It underpins a vast ecosystem of development tools, programming languages, libraries and applications. Maintaining close alignment with evolving EVM standards makes it easier for developers to deploy existing applications on VeChainThor, use modern tooling and build new products without unnecessary compatibility barriers. 

VIP-255 introduces new EVM instructions, advanced cryptographic capabilities, improved access to historical block information and additional safeguards governing transaction gas and block size. 

But before Interstellar can be activated, we need your vote. 

Starting 10/08/2026 at 00:00 UTC, eligible VeChain stakeholders will be invited to vote on VIP-255 through the VeVote platform. 

Validators and eligible StarGate NFT holders can participate in the governance process and help determine whether VeChainThor proceeds with the proposed Interstellar EVM upgrade. 

VIP-255 introduces a coordinated set of EVM improvements spanning three Ethereum releases. Adopting these compatible changes in one hardfork closes a significant portion of the EVM compatibility gap while reducing the number of separate consensus-breaking upgrades required. 

New EVM Capabilities EIP-1153: Transient Storage
• Introduces TLOAD and TSTORE, allowing contracts to hold temporary state that is cleared after execution rather than permanently stored on-chain. 
• Transient storage enables more gas-efficient contract patterns, including reentrancy guards, temporary authorisation data and intermediate calculations. 
• On VeChainThor, transient storage is scoped to an individual clause and cleared when that clause completes. 

EIP-5656: MCOPY 
• Introduces a dedicated instruction for copying data efficiently between memory locations. 
• MCOPY simplifies common memory operations and improves compatibility with modern Solidity, Vyper and other EVM development tools. 

EIP-6780: Updated SELFDESTRUCT Behaviour 
• Restricts when SELFDESTRUCT can delete a contract, reducing unexpected state changes and aligning VeChainThor with modern EVM behaviour. 
• Because VeChainThor supports multi-clause transactions, contract creation and destruction must occur within the same clause for deletion to take place. 

EIP-7939: Count Leading Zeros 
• Introduces the CLZ opcode for efficiently counting the leading zero bits of a value. 
• This instruction supports more efficient mathematical operations, compression algorithms, bitmap processing and zero-knowledge applications. 

Advanced Cryptographic Capabilities EIP-2537: BLS12-381 Curve Operations 
• Adds native support for BLS12-381 cryptographic operations. 
•These capabilities are widely used in zero-knowledge systems, signature aggregation, bridges and interoperability protocols. Implementing them as precompiled contracts allows complex cryptographic operations to be performed far more efficiently than through smart-contract bytecode alone. 

EIP-7951: secp256r1 Curve Support 
• Adds native verification for secp256r1, also known as P-256, a widely adopted cryptographic curve used by secure hardware and modern authentication standards. 
• This creates a foundation for applications using passkeys, FIDO2, WebAuthn, Apple Secure Enclave, Android Keystore and other forms of hardware-backed authentication. 

EIP-7823 and EIP-7883: MODEXP Safeguards 
• Introduces upper bounds for MODEXP inputs and updates its gas costs to reflect computational requirements more accurately. 
• These changes reduce consensus risk from impractically large inputs and help ensure that users pay an appropriate amount of gas for computationally intensive operations. 

Core Protocol Improvements EIP-2935: Historical Block Information 
• Enables smart contracts to retrieve recent VeChainThor block identifiers through an EIP-compatible contract interface. 
• Contracts will be able to query information covering the most recent 8,191 blocks while VeChainThor continues to use its existing state architecture and block-ID structure. 

EIP-7825: Transaction Gas Limit Cap 
• Introduces a maximum gas limit of 16,777,216 gas for an individual transaction. 
• This prevents a single transaction from demanding an excessive share of network resources and improves block-processing predictability. 

EIP-7934: Execution Block Size Limit
• Introduces an 8 MiB limit for RLP-encoded blocks. 
• This protects the network against excessively large blocks that could negatively affect propagation, execution and validation. 

Built for VeChainThor VeChainThor has architectural features that differ from Ethereum, including multi-clause transactions, a dual-token model and its own block-ID structure. 

VIP-255 adopts the applicable EVM functionality while preserving these defining characteristics. 

Under the proposed implementation: 
• Transient storage is scoped to an individual clause. 
• The updated SELFDESTRUCT rules are evaluated within the same clause. 
• Historical block queries return VeChainThor block IDs. 
• Blob-carrying transactions and blob-related opcodes are not introduced. 
• VeChainThor’s existing precompiled-contract account convention is preserved. 
• Multi-clause transactions and fee delegation remain available and unchanged. 

The broader Interstellar work concerning Ethereum transaction equivalence will be specified separately and is not part of this vote. 

Developers intending to port Ethereum contracts should review the complete VeChainThor-specific implementation requirements in VIP-255. 

The Interstellar Timeline Current Phase: Vote Preparation 
• Review VIP-255 and its proposed technical changes. 
• Understand the VeChainThor-specific implementation differences. 
• Join community discussions through VeChain’s official channels. 
• Confirm your eligibility to participate through VeVote. 
• Infrastructure providers can begin reviewing their operational upgrade requirements. 

Voting Period: 10/08/2026 at 00:00 UTC to 17/08/2026 at 00:00 UTC
• Cast your vote through the VeVote platform. 
• Participate in community discussions about the upgrade. 
• Help shape the next stage of VeChainThor’s technical evolution. 

Post-Approval: Interstellar Implementation If approved: 
• The compatible Thor client release will be published. 
• Release notes and upgrade instructions will be provided to network operators. 
• The Interstellar activation block will be announced separately. 
• Validators, public-node operators, exchanges, custodians and infrastructure providers operating VeChainThor nodes must upgrade before activation. 
• The upgrade will activate after implementation and testing have been successfully completed. 

Nodes that have not upgraded by the activation block will no longer follow the canonical VeChainThor chain. 

What Interstellar Means for the Ecosystem For Developers 

Interstellar reduces the effort required to bring modern EVM applications to VeChainThor. 

Support for newer opcodes and cryptographic precompiles enables developers to use more recent compiler targets, established contract libraries and advanced application patterns. It also unlocks new possibilities across passkey-enabled wallets, account security, interoperability, bridges and zero-knowledge systems. 

For Users and Applications 

The upgrade expands what applications can offer without requiring users to migrate assets or adopt new token contracts. 

Native secp256r1 verification can support more familiar and secure authentication experiences, while improved EVM compatibility allows applications developed elsewhere in the EVM ecosystem to be brought to VeChainThor more efficiently. 

For Validators and Infrastructure Providers 

Validators, node operators, exchanges, custodians and other infrastructure partners operating VeChainThor nodes will need to install the compatible Thor client release before the announced activation block. 

The required Thor version, release instructions and activation schedule will be communicated separately. 

Exchanges may temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals around the activation period in accordance with their standard network-upgrade procedures. 

For VET and VTHO Holders 

No action is required from ordinary VET or VTHO holders. 

Interstellar does not change VET or VTHO tokenomics, including: 

• VET or VTHO supply 
• VTHO issuance or burning rules 
• Staking rewards 
• Validator and Delegator reward allocation 
• StarGate NFTs 
• Governance voting power 
•Existing wallet addresses or token contracts 

No token migration, asset swap or contract-address change is required. 

Vote to Open VeChain’s Next Frontier Galactica modernised VeChainThor’s EVM foundations and fee market. Hayabusa transformed its consensus and economic model. Interstellar now proposes to expand the network’s compatibility, developer capabilities and technical resilience. 

VIP-255 brings VeChainThor significantly closer to the modern EVM ecosystem while preserving the architecture and functionality that distinguish the network. 

It provides developers with new computational and cryptographic primitives, makes established EVM applications easier to deploy and introduces protocol-level safeguards designed for increasingly advanced workloads. 

The foundation is in place. The next stage of the Renaissance is ready to begin. 

Your vote can help activate the next chapter of VeChainThor. 

Vote from 10/08/2026 at 00:00 UTC: All-Stakeholder Voting Proposal: Interstellar Network Upgrade 

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London, 10th July, 2025 – Leading enterprise blockchain platform, VeChain, announces the launch of its first-ever cross-chain bridge with Wanchain, the industry’s longest-running decentralised interoperability solution. The bridge connects the VeChain ecosystem with over 40 major blockchains.

VeChain is an enterprise blockchain platform that ranks among the top 50 most valuable chains, with a market cap exceeding $1.8 billion and has initiated significant changes in 2025. With VeChainThor as its Layer 1 blockchain, VeChain is creating a new DeFi ecosystem utilizing its tokens, VET, VTHO, and B3TR.

VeChain has also formed a partnership with Visa to introduce the Stella Pay card, allowing users to spend their tokens at any point of sale. The company has achieved MiCAR compliance to operate in Europe and launched a new staking platform with over $84 million in assets, following SEC guidelines. All these moves are aimed at achieving greater adoption while complying with the regulations of each region.

Powered by its partnership with Wanchain, VeChain plans to enhance its DeFi capabilities by enabling interoperability across various chains and increasing liquidity within its ecosystem. The Wanchain Bridge is estimated to compete in volume with the top 10 most-used bridges, according to DefiLlama.

Commenting on the cross-chain bridge launch, Sunny Lu, CEO of VeChain, said:

“Thanks to the Wanchain Bridge integration, VeChain is breaking down the barriers of blockchain isolation, connecting VeChainThor to 40 major chains like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana.

“This milestone unlocks unprecedented liquidity and DeFi opportunities for $VET, $VTHO, $B3TR, and beyond, enabling enterprises and users to engage seamlessly in a truly interconnected Web3 ecosystem. We are not just bridging chains, we are building the future of global tokenized adoption.”

With the support of Wanchain’s cross-chain interoperability solutions, VeChain integrates with the most prominent DeFi applications, including swaps, lending, staking, liquidity pools, and more, from 40 different chains. All the DeFi apps currently have a total value locked (TVL) of more than $116 billion and are now connected to VeChain thanks to the Wanchain Bridge.

Wanchain is a platform of interchain bridges that powers interoperability by connecting over 40 major networks, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and now VeChain. Its secure, non-custodial bridges, built with Secure Multiparty Computation and Shamir’s Secret Sharing cryptography, enable seamless asset transfers for DeFi and Web3 ecosystems. It boasts an industry-leading security track record, with zero exploits reported since its launch in 2017. Wanchain has processed hundreds of thousands of transactions and billions in cross-chain volume to date.

Commenting on the VeChain integration, Temujin Louie, CEO of Wanchain, said:

“Partnering with VeChain to launch their first-ever cross-chain bridge is a game-changer for blockchain interoperability. This integration connects VeChainThor to the most used chains, unlocking seamless asset transfers and fueling DeFi innovation.

We’re thrilled to empower VeChain’s ecosystem with Wanchain’s secure, battle-tested infrastructure, driving real-world adoption and creating new opportunities for users and enterprises alike.”

These integrations mark a milestone for VeChain, solidifying its position as a leading enterprise blockchain platform committed to regulatory compliance and seeking widespread adoption.

With Wanchain’s secure and robust cross-chain technology, VeChain is poised to unlock new opportunities in the DeFi industry, fostering a more interconnected and accessible blockchain ecosystem.

About Wanchain

Wanchain is a global leader in decentralised blockchain interoperability and creator of the blockchain industry’s first decentralised cross-chain bridge. Since its founding in 2017, Wanchain has remained committed to driving blockchain adoption by establishing a unified decentralised network of blockchains built on industry-wide standards and specifications. Wanchain’s cross-chain infrastructure, renowned for its engineering rigor and industry-best uptime, empowers developers to build truly decentralised cross-chain applications to power the future of Web3. Today, this decentralised infrastructure supports countless products across dozens of EVM and non-EVM networks.

For more information, visit wanchain.org.

About VeChain

VeChain is a leading blockchain Foundation for enterprise applications. VeBetterDAO, VeChain’s new sustainability app platform, is unleashing a revolution for how society drives action on sustainability, from end-users to enterprise to institutions.

For more information, please visit: https://vechain.org.

Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

Oliver Dale

Editor-in-Chief of Blockonomi and founder of Kooc Media, A UK-Based Online Media Company. Believer in Open-Source Software, Blockchain Technology & a Free and Fair Internet for all. His writing has been quoted by Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Investopedia, The New Yorker, Forbes, Techcrunch & More. Contact [email protected]