The first goal set by the British Lunar Missions Ltd, to secure from ordinary citizens the necessary funds for a robotic Mission το 2024 στη Σελήνη. Κι αυτό γιατί είχε αίσια έκβαση η εκστρατεία χρηματοδότησης που είχε ξεκινήσει από τα μέσα Νοεμβρίου η εταιρεία στο Kickstarter. Έτσι, κατάφερε από δωρεές χιλιάδων ανθρώπων να εξασφαλίσει τις 600.000 βρετανικές λίρες (περίπου 750.000 ευρώ) που χρειαζόταν για να ξεκινήσει την προετοιμασία του «ταξιδιού» στο φεγγάρι.
The mission, which is called Lunar Mission One, envisages the landing of an unmanned craft, which will dig into the lunar subsoil to a depth of 100 meters, to study lunar rocks ages 45,5 billion years. In addition to its scientific component, the purpose of Lunar Mission One is also to inspire as many young people as possible to get involved in the sciences and space exploration.
“The mission is a completely independent initiative, which is not controlled by any government service” said Ian Taylor, Chair of Lunar Missions Ltd, commenting on the success of the campaign. "The project will be based on the public support, but also in the skills and experience of some of the world's best scientists and engineers. Having today achieved our first goal, we celebrate the beginning of a 10-year adventure of collaboration, innovation and exploration."
Donors exceeded 7.000, coming from over 70 countries countries. At the same time, the project was supported along the way by famous personalities from the fields of aerospace and science. Indicatively, one of those who congratulated those in charge of Lunar Mission One was Stephen Hawking, perhaps the world's best-known physicist.
"What happened today is the first step to creating a new tradition of space exploration. The mission brings space exploration to people, and I have no doubt that young and older people will find inspiration from the passion and ambition of those involved in the project. As it is a truly scientific venture, I wish nothing more than success in the years to come, "he said.
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