International Lunar Observatory at Moon's South Pole in 2019

KAMUELA, Hawaii, July 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) and Moon Express have announced a collaboration for the delivery of the first International Lunar Observatory to the South Pole of the Moon in 2019 (ILO-1). Moon Express has been contracted by ILOA to develop advanced landing technologies supporting the mission. http://iloa.org/ 

The ILO-1 astrophysical observatory and research station will be the world's first instrument to image the Milky Way Galaxy and to conduct international astrophysical observations and communications from the lunar surface.

The ILO-1 will be landed on a 'peak of eternal light' at the lunar South Pole by a Moon Express robotic explorer system. The primary landing site under analysis is Malapert Mountain, a 5-km tall peak near the Aitken Basin region that is bathed in sunshine most of the time and has 24/7 direct line of sight to Earth as well as to Shackleton Crater for observation and communication. Moon Express will utilize the mission to explore the Moon's South Pole for mineral resources and water.

"The primary goal of the International Lunar Observatory is to expand human understanding of the Galaxy and Cosmos through observation and communication from our Moon," said ILOA founder and director, Steve Durst. "We are extremely excited to work with Moon Express to establish a presence on the Moon in 2019, the 50th anniversary year of Apollo 11."

SpaceWeek 2017 with new USA Moon Return priorities marks the 48th observation of the epochal Apollo 11 touchdown "in peace for all". A Moonbase could be a game changer for peace on Earth, offering a new perspective, a new direction, and a new inspiration ("If we can put people on the Moon, why can't we ___ ."). The best option for resolving conflicts in the Korean Peninsula and Middle East may arise from the collaborations required for this Luna construct, with rockets pointed up to the Moon instead of toward other nations.

American leadership may advance humanity to a new beginning, elevating commerce, science, technology, education, and society. The landing of the First Women on the Moon will be as epochal and historic an achievement as the landing of the First Men on the Moon.

SOURCE International Lunar Observatory Association

Related Links

http://www.iloa.org