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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) may soon begin using private lunar landers to explore the lunar surface.
The CSA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Florida-based Moon Express, which is developing a family of space vehicles to reduce the cost of robotic travel to the moon and other deep space destinations.
The agreement also provides for both partners to encourage opportunities for collaboration between Moon Express, the Canadian space industry, and colleges and universities across the country.
"Moon Express is delighted to support the Canadian Space Agency in a new era of lunar exploration," said Bob Richards, CEO of Moon Express, born in Canada, in a statement released Wednesday (Oct. 3).
Artist illustration of the Moon Express MX-1E LG on the lunar surface.
Credit: Moon Express
"Successful collaborations between the CSA and the private sector have allowed Canadian technology to reach the surface of Mars and move closer to asteroids," said Richards. "We look forward to working with the CSA to create new opportunities for Canadian science and technology in exploring the eighth continent of the Earth, the Moon and its vast resources."
Moon Express is a former participant of the Google Lunar X-Prize, which ended earlier this year without a winner. The company aims to set up an inexpensive lunar transportation system and to facilitate access and extraction of resources from the nearest neighbor of the Earth – especially the water ice, which appears to be abundant on crater soils permanently shaded near the lunar poles.
Moon Express, however, dreams more than that: Richards said the company's ultimate goal is to help humanity move further into space, to Mars and beyond.
The week has been busy for the company. On Monday (October 1), Moon Express announced $ 12.5 million for the development of its spacecraft.
Mike Wall's book on the quest for extra-terrestrial life, "Out There," will be released on November 13th. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally posted on Space.com.
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