Blockchain project Polkadot's founder, Gavin Wood, announced today (18th) that its canary network and sister chain, Kusama (KSM), will soon launch parallel chains along with core functionalities like auctions and crowdloans. This milestone signals a new chapter for Polkadot's mainnet rollout.
As a flagship cross-chain project and a cornerstone of Web 3.0 infrastructure, Polkadot's development progress remains a focal point for the cryptocurrency industry. With Kusama's parallel chain deployment, market anticipation for Polkadot has intensified. The bullish news spurred immediate price rallies for DOT and KSM. According to CoinGecko, DOT surged 9.2% to $41.14, while KSM jumped 18.3% to $617.42 over the past 24 hours.
Polkadot's Five-Phase Mainnet Launch Nears Completion
Gavin Wood outlined that Polkadot’s mainnet launch is divided into five phases, with the project now entering the final stage—marking the debut of parallel chains. The preceding four phases began approximately 10 months ago, culminating in a highly decentralized, permissionless approach by late July last year.
👉 Explore Polkadot’s ecosystem growth
Kusama’s Parallel Chain Deployment Progress
Kusama’s official Twitter account confirmed the successful deployment of a parallel chain Shell in the early hours today. Within 24 hours, a governance vote will upgrade the Shell to Statemine, followed by the initiation of parallel chain slot auctions.
Gavin Wood emphasized that Parity Technologies, Polkadot’s core development team, released the Polkadot 0.9 upgrade for Kusama last week. This version includes critical logic for deploying parallel chains, slot auction mechanisms, and crowdloan functionality. He stated:
Kusama has upgraded to this version (v9010) and is now fully equipped to host parallel chains.
Key Steps Before Polkadot’s Parallel Chain Launch
- External Audits: A comprehensive review of all new logic is mandatory.
- Kusama as a Testing Ground: Kusama must demonstrate seamless execution of at least one crowdloan-backed auction and host a functional parallel chain.
Wood noted that auditing is underway, with results expected soon. Preparations on Kusama are progressing, with a three-step rollout planned in the coming days.
Auction Timeline and Expectations
- Most KSM tokens are locked in Kusama’s staking system, requiring a 7-day notice for withdrawals.
- Kusama will announce the first auction date one week in advance, followed by four additional auctions at 7-day intervals.
👉 Stay updated on Kusama’s auction schedule
Wood added that after Kusama’s inaugural auction, Polkadot’s auctions may follow swiftly. Final parameters and timelines will be published once confirmed.
FAQ Section
1. What are Polkadot’s parallel chains?
Parallel chains are independent blockchains connected to Polkadot’s Relay Chain, enabling interoperability and shared security.
2. How do Kusama’s auctions work?
Projects bid for slots via candle auctions, with winners securing a lease to deploy their blockchain as a parallel chain.
3. Why is Kusama launching parallel chains first?
As Polkadot’s “canary network,” Kusama tests new features in a real-world environment before mainnet deployment.
4. What’s the role of crowdloans?
Users contribute tokens to support projects in auctions, earning rewards if the project wins a slot.
5. How does this impact DOT and KSM prices?
Increased utility and demand for both networks often drive price appreciation, as seen in recent rallies.
6. When will Polkadot’s auctions begin?
Exact dates depend on Kusama’s successful testing, but plans will be announced post-Kusama’s initial auctions.
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