PayPoint, the leading provider of convenient payments, has announced the installation of the first space-based payment system.

A PayPoint terminal was part of the essential SpaceX cargo delivery launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida last night (30/03/14), and is expected to reach the International Space Station at approximately 7am E.D.T tomorrow (02/04/14).

The installation follows a recent study by the UK Space Agency, which shows that astronauts are being hit by hefty fines on their unpaid bills once they have returned to earth. Click here for the full study.

With the average stay on the International Space Station being six months, and interest rates continuing to rise, astronauts are being greeted home by late payment fees, a damaged credit score and the threat of debt collectors.

Steve O'Neill, Marketing Director at PayPoint, said: "We are proud to provide the PayPoint service to our brave astronauts who carry out such vital research whilst aboard the International Space Station."

He added: "Astronauts will now be able to pay for everything from TV Licences to utilities, council tax and insurance while aboard the International Space Station, offering them increased peace of mind."

Seamus Smith, UK Managing Director at PayPoint, added: "I gave up a promising career as an astronaut to work at PayPoint and I'm really pleased we're able to support space exploration in this innovative way."

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* Photo by Flickr user Matthew Simantov

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