After extensive research, I have to clarify that currently, there isn’t a top-level domain (TLD) named “.star”. TLDs are the last segment of a domain name, the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. Typically, TLDs represent the purpose and type of domain. There are several types of TLDs. The main ones being: gTLD (generic top-level domains), ccTLD (country-code top-level domains), sTLD (sponsored top-level domains), and uTLD (unsponsored top-level domains). Examples include “.com” which is a gTLD, “.us” a ccTLD, and “.edu” an sTLD [“InterNIC – FAQs on TLDs”, Internic.net].
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) manages the international Domain Name System (DNS). ICANN opened applications for new generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) in 2012. This program expanded the domain space, allowing entities to apply for virtually any word in any script as a gTLD [“New gTLD Program”, ICANN.org].
However, as per the latest update from the ICANN domain database, as of 21 February 2022, the “.star” TLD is not listed. You can verify this by checking the TLD list on the ICANN website [“TLDs – Top Level Domains Explained”, ICANN.org].
Moreover, TLD applications are usually made by large corporations or government institutions due to the high cost and stringent application requirements. Google, for example, bought the TLD “.app” for about $25 million during the 2012 ICANN TLD application period [“Google Paid $25M For The .App Top Level Domain”, TechCrunch.com].
In conclusion, it’s important to note that while the “.star” TLD does not currently exist, ICANN opens up the application process for new gTLDs periodically. However, obtaining a unique TLD involves a complex and costly procedure that usually involves major corporations or government institutions. Nevertheless, if there is a specific requirement for the “.star” TLD in the future, it would be possible for an entity to apply for it when the application process reopens, and it would then be viable for this TLD to exist in the future.
