Once the aspiring validator makes their deposit, the next step is to choose their client (the software they will use to configure their Beacon Node), import their key stores, and run their validator.
According to an Ethereum blog post, this morning the Ethereum 2.0 development team announced the release of “Launchpad”, the educational testing interface for deposits, especially aimed at people interested in operating as validators for Ethereum 2.0.
Danny Ryan, Project Coordinator, said last Wednesday that “Launchpad” would be included in the Ethereum 2.0 testnet. The manager also said that as of August 4, the Ethereum community will be able to see the official launch of it.
Ethereum 2.0 releases “Launchpad” for validators
Along with Consensys and DeepWork Studio, the research team said they are launching Launchpad right now to make deposits to Medalla’s upcoming multi-client testnet. However, the team will continue to “fine-tune the interface in the run-up to the main net launch,” Ryan said.
According to the manager, the idea behind Launchpad is to make the process of becoming a validator for ETH2 as easy as possible, without compromising security and ensuring that it is as educational as possible.
In contrast to using a third-party service, by running your validator yourself, there is an implicit responsibility for managing your keys. To do this, it is necessary to understand aspects inherent to ease of use, security, and education, says the blog post, also detailing aspects related to schedules, milestones, instructions on the operation of dynamic rewards, key generation, and associated risks.
Once the aspiring validator makes their deposit, the next step is to choose their client (the software they will use to configure their Beacon Node), import their key stores, and run their validator.
5,360 aspiring validators have already applied
Only a few days after its launch, the Ethereum 2.0 testnet deposit contract started filling up with transactions. At the time of writing this note, some 5,360 deposits went for 32 Ether each. This means that 5,360 applicants are ready to go as soon as the testnet launches on August 4 and that the smart contract has about ETH 171,520 (estimated at more than $ 55.4 million at the time of publishing), which It represents 32.72% of the total ETH needed.
As Ethereum enthusiasts prepare for the final stage of the largest network upgrade to date, Ryan said that a minimum of 16,384 validators (ETH 524,288) is required before this can begin. Given that the process progressed quite quickly shortly, analysts estimate that the goal could easily be met in the coming days.
According to the blog, the deposits are running on the Goerli testnet (proof of authority or PoA), from where they will then be connected to the Ethereum 2.0 testnet once it is active.
By: Jenson Nuñez.
