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NASA launches again a lunar exploration project. But this time, we plan to carry out joint projects with private companies.
NASA has announced that nine private companies would conduct lunar exploration at a press conference on Tuesday, according to US media CNET.
NASA has signed a service contract with companies selected as lunar exploration partners and plans to leave the details to private companies. The precise lunar mission to support by private companies is not yet clear.
The lunar lander of "estrobotic technology" included in this list of private companies. The undercarriage is designed to carry loads up to 35 kg on the surface of the moon. (Photo = estrobotic technology)
But NASA said the nine selected companies would be responsible for shipping the payload to the moon.
The nine companies include Lockheed Martin, Moon Express, East Robotics, Deep Stage Systems, DeLapper, FireFly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, Marsen Space Systems and Orbit Beyond.
NASA General Manager Jim Bidenstein said: "It's a response to the scientific community to say that we have long been calling for science to be conducted on the moon."
NASA said the commercial lunar lander of the competition could go to the moon in 2019. The first mission of the selected companies is to develop a future lander, which will then identify the moon's resources and eventually leave a new footprint on the lunar surface.
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