Moon Express, a US start-up, announced Wednesday it has received approval from the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), which has previously consulted the White House, the State Department and the US space agency (Nasa)
There is still work for Moon Express before their capsule touches the moon. The company has not yet completed construction of its capsule, called MX-1. If all goes as planned, it will take off the end of 2017 with a rocket produced by Rocket Lab, another start-up, which has currently not yet made trade mission.
Another “giant leap for mankind”
These deadlines are crucial for Moon Express, hearing win the Google Lunar X Prize. Established in 2007, this award will reward the first private company that will land a capsule on the moon. A module must then travel 500 meters and transmit video and high-definition photos to allow the company to win the $ 20 million. One condition: the mission must be completed before 31 December 2017.
“The sky is not the limit for Moon Express, is just the launch base,” said Naveen Jain, co-founder of Moon Express, which considers the coalition agreement as another “giant leap for mankind” in reference to the famous words of Neil Armstrong during his first steps on the moon.
The aim of the company is to develop a low-cost device space and explore the resources of the Moon. “In the near future we want to bring back to Earth precious resources, lunar metals and stones,” said Naveen Jain.
On CNN , the co-founder of Moon Express also estimated that the company will carry men to the moon “within 10 to 15 years.” “We will be the first company to make literally be a honeymoon!” Said he added in a loud laugh.
Another “giant leap for mankind”
These deadlines are crucial for Moon Express, hearing win the Google Lunar X Prize. Established in 2007, this award will reward the first private company that will land a capsule on the moon. A module must then travel 500 meters and transmit video and high-definition photos to allow the company to win the $ 20 million. One condition: the mission must be completed before 31 December 2017.
“The sky is not the limit for Moon Express, is just the launch base,” said Naveen Jain, co-founder of Moon Express, which considers the coalition agreement as another “giant leap for mankind” in reference to the famous words of Neil Armstrong during his first steps on the moon.
Thrilled to announce formal USG approval for our Moon Express 2017 mission https://t.co/4YxItqdbfm pic.twitter.com/bHNp38fv7g
— Moon Express (@MoonEx) August 3, 2016
The aim of the company is to develop a low-cost device space and explore the resources of the Moon. “In the near future we want to bring back to Earth precious resources, lunar metals and stones,” said Naveen Jain.
On CNN , the co-founder of Moon Express also estimated that the company will carry men to the moon “within 10 to 15 years.” “We will be the first company to make literally be a honeymoon!” Said he added in a loud laugh.
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