OpenAI Launches GPT-5.6 Models Named After Controversial Crypto Tokens Terra and Luna

OpenAI announced the public launch of its new GPT-5.6 family of AI models, named Sol, Terra, and Luna, representing the sun, earth, and moon in Latin. The rollout follows weeks of limited access granted to about 20 government-approved partners, coordinated with the U.S. government to address cybersecurity concerns. The models are expected to be among the most advanced AI infrastructures available to the public, fueling competition in the AI sector.

However, the choice of the names Terra and Luna sparked surprise and amusement on social media, especially within cryptocurrency communities. These names are associated with a massive financial collapse in May 2022, when the TerraUSD stablecoin lost its peg to the dollar, causing the Luna token to plummet to near zero. This event wiped out billions of dollars in investor savings and triggered a chain reaction that led to the downfall of major crypto firms such as Three Arrows Capital, Celsius, and FTX.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has not commented publicly on the naming decision. The Terra and Luna names remain symbolic of one of the most destructive failures in crypto history, making their use for new AI models a notable and controversial choice. The public launch of these models is set to expand access and influence the ongoing AI technology race.