Stellar (XLM) has reached a pivotal juncture in its evolutionary journey, with the recent activation of Protocol 21 on its testnet heralding a significant milestone for the network. As preparations for the upgrade's mainnet deployment gather momentum, the Stellar community eagerly anticipates the transformative potential that lies ahead.

Scheduled for June 18, 2024, the mainnet activation of Protocol 21 hinges on the collective decision of Stellar public network validators. This momentous occasion will see the introduction of five new Core Advancement proposals (CAPs) to the Stellar Mainnet, representing a concerted effort to enhance network functionality and efficiency.

Among the key features introduced by these CAPs are provisions for passkey signing support, enhancements to the state archive, and notable cost improvements for smart contract transactions. With a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the global financial ecosystem, Stellar endeavors to ensure that the network remains user-friendly and cost-effective for all participants.

The journey towards Protocol 21's mainnet deployment follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Protocol 20, which saw validators unanimously vote for its implementation on February 20, 2024. The introduction of Soroban smart contracts to the Stellar public network has since catalyzed a wave of innovation, with developers worldwide leveraging this newfound capability to deploy a diverse array of smart contracts on the Stellar Mainnet.

As attention shifts towards the impending mainnet activation of Protocol 21, meticulous planning and rigorous testing will be paramount to ensuring a seamless transition. With the testnet upgrade now live, stakeholders are keenly focused on refining implementation strategies and addressing any potential challenges that may arise.

Once Protocol 21 is successfully implemented on the mainnet, the Stellar network is poised to unlock unprecedented scalability and functionality, paving the way for enhanced user experiences and expanded use cases. To facilitate this transition, key dates have been outlined, including the release of stable versions of Stellar Core, Horizon, and RPC on May 30, and a testnet reset scheduled for June 11 to optimize performance.

Central to the mainnet upgrade process is the pivotal vote scheduled for June 18, wherein validators will determine the fate of Protocol 21. This democratic exercise underscores the decentralized nature of the Stellar network, with consensus-driven decision-making serving as the bedrock of its governance framework.

As the countdown to mainnet activation continues, the Stellar community remains steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation and fostering inclusivity, laying the groundwork for a future where financial access knows no bounds.