The first goal set by the British Lunar Missions Ltd, to secure from ordinary citizens the necessary funds for a robotic mission to the Moon in 2024, was crowned with success. And that's because the funding campaign that started in mid-November had a happy outcome company on Kickstarter. Thus, he managed from donations of thousands of people to secure the 600.000 British pounds (about 750.000 euros) he needed to start preparing the "trip" to moon.
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 that is not controlled by any state agency," said Ian Taylor, chairman of the Chair of Lunar Missions Ltd, commenting on the success of the campaign. "The project will be based on public support, but also on 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 an 10 adventure of collaboration, innovation and exploration. "
Donors surpassed 7.000, coming from 70 countries. At the same time, the project found its way backed by famous personalities from aerospace and science. Indicatively, one of those who congratulated Lunar Mission One officials was Steven Hawking, perhaps the world's most famous physicist.
"What happened today is the first step to create a new tradition for space exploration. The mission brings space exploration to people, and I have no doubt that young and old alike will find inspiration in the passion and ambition of those involved in the project. As this is a truly scientific undertaking, I wish him nothing but success in the years to come," he said.
Technology-Science naftemporiki.gr
