What is Cosmos
Cosmos (ATOM) is a project often called the “internet of blockchains”. Its goal is to give developers the tools to build their own independent blockchains and connect them to one another. To that end Cosmos offers the Cosmos SDK toolkit, the CometBFT consensus engine (formerly Tendermint) and the IBC protocol, through which different networks exchange tokens and data. The Cosmos Hub mainnet launched in 2019.
ATOM is the coin of the Cosmos Hub, the ecosystem’s central blockchain. It’s used for staking and securing the network through proof-of-stake, for paying fees and for voting on protocol changes. Dozens of well-known networks are built on Cosmos technology, and the IBC protocol lets ATOM and other tokens move between them without centralised intermediaries.
Key facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ticker | ATOM |
| Network at ROVEN exchange | Cosmos Hub |
| Address format | Starts with “cosmos1” |
| Block time | About 6 seconds |
| Staking | Yes, 21-day unbonding period |
| Network fee | Paid in ATOM, usually small |
| Memo | Required when paying out to an exchange address |
What ATOM is used for
- Staking. Holders delegate ATOM to validators and earn rewards.
- Governance. Staked ATOM gives voting rights on network decisions.
- Cross-chain transfers. Through IBC, ATOM moves between blockchains in the Cosmos ecosystem.
- Investment. ATOM is one of the key coins of cross-chain infrastructure.
How to exchange Cosmos at ROVEN exchange
- Choose a direction, for example ATOM → USDT TRC20 or USDT TRC20 → ATOM, and enter the amount.
- If you’re receiving ATOM, enter an address starting with “cosmos1”, plus a memo if the address belongs to an exchange.
- If you’re sending ATOM, be sure to include the memo from the order.
- A block comes roughly every 6 seconds, so a swap usually takes a few minutes.
What to watch out for
- Exchanges receive ATOM at a shared address and tell customers apart by memo. A transfer to an exchange without a memo won’t be credited automatically.
- Addresses on other Cosmos networks look similar but have their own prefix — for example “osmo1” on Osmosis. For ATOM on the Cosmos Hub the address must start with “cosmos1”.
- Staked ATOM takes 21 days to unbond. If you plan to swap, undelegate in advance or use your free balance.
- Keep a little ATOM for fees if you plan to make transactions from the wallet.
ATOM staking and the unbonding period
Staking is one of the main ways ATOM is used. You delegate coins to a validator and receive a share of block rewards, while the coins remain under your control. But there’s a catch: after you undelegate, ATOM returns to your free balance only after 21 days. During that time it earns nothing and can’t be sent. Keep this in mind if you plan to sell or swap your coins.
How to store ATOM
ATOM is supported by Keplr, Leap, Trust Wallet, Cosmostation and the Ledger hardware wallet. Keplr is the ecosystem’s most popular wallet, supporting staking, voting and IBC transfers. Keep your seed phrase offline and check the sites where you connect your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I send ATOM to an exchange without a memo?
The funds reach the exchange’s shared address but won’t be credited to your account automatically. They can be recovered through the exchange’s support.
Can I send ATOM to an Osmosis address?
No — for a swap, enter a Cosmos Hub address starting with “cosmos1”. Transfers to other Cosmos networks are done via IBC in your wallet.
Do I need a memo for a personal wallet?
No. For a personal wallet such as Keplr, the memo can be omitted.