Moon Express is one of those private space companies that really wants to shake things up in lunar exploration and resource extraction. Their goal? To make the Moon more accessible for both commercial and scientific missions, using affordable robotic spacecraft.
Moon Express has set out to change the game by returning to the Moon and unlocking its secrets and resources for the benefit of everyone. They see the Moon as Earth’s eighth continent—a fresh frontier packed with valuable resources that could help life here and push future space adventures further.
Their vision is all about expanding Earth’s reach to the Moon. They want to make humanity a multi-world species and imagine a future where people look up and see lights on the lunar surface, knowing we have a presence there.
They develop scalable robotic spacecraft designed to drive down the cost of getting to the Moon. This new commercial approach opens up lunar research and exploration to more people than ever before. Moon Express invites partners to join their commercial missions, giving scientists and businesses a shot at exploring the Moon for way less than before.
A group of Silicon Valley and space entrepreneurs founded Moon Express back in 2010. They originally came together to compete for the $30 million Google Lunar X Prize, but they also had their eyes on the bigger prize: mining the Moon for valuable resources.
The founding team brought a mix of tech know-how and space industry experience. Their Silicon Valley roots gave them the boldness and creativity to challenge the usual way of doing things in space.
Leadership at Moon Express has focused on building an asset-based approach to lunar transportation. They work closely with partners and customers, listening to what each one needs and making sure they deliver. Safety always comes first—they stick to strict industry standards to protect their operations and cargo.
Moon Express is a privately held American company. Their main operations are based in the United States.
They keep things pretty lean, with about five employees at their main location.
Over the years, they’ve managed to raise $26.81 million in funding. That money has helped them develop spacecraft tech and get the approvals they need for commercial lunar missions.
In 2016, Moon Express reached a huge milestone. They became the first company to get U.S. government approval to send a robotic spacecraft beyond Earth’s orbit to the Moon. No other commercial entity had ever received that kind of authorization from a government signed on to the Outer Space Treaty.
On July 20, 2016, Moon Express made history. They became the first private company to get U.S. government authorization for lunar missions. That decision set a big legal precedent under international space law.
The Federal Aviation Administration gave Moon Express the green light to send robotic spacecraft beyond Earth’s orbit to the Moon. No other private company had ever gotten that kind of approval from the U.S. government.
The approval was for their planned 2017 maiden flight. They planned to land the robotic spacecraft right on the Moon’s surface.
Some key regulatory milestones:
Moon Express had to work through a pretty complex regulatory process. Several federal agencies reviewed their mission plans and spacecraft designs. The company had to show they could do the job safely and responsibly.
This approval didn’t just help Moon Express—it paved the way for other private space companies to follow.
Moon Express became the first company approved by a government that signed the Outer Space Treaty. The United States took on its responsibility to authorize and supervise commercial space activities.
The Outer Space Treaty from 1967 says governments must authorize private space missions and supervise what their companies do in space. By approving Moon Express, the U.S. showed how countries can meet those obligations.
This decision set an important legal precedent for peaceful commercial space exploration. Private companies now have a clear regulatory path for lunar missions.
Treaty compliance included:
The regulatory approval found a balance between encouraging innovation and sticking to international legal standards. It protected Moon Express’s commercial interests while making sure they followed the rules.
Moon Express has built the MX family of flexible robotic spacecraft that can handle a range of mission needs. These modular platforms use NASA-inspired designs to keep costs down, especially when sharing rides to the Moon.
The MX spacecraft line uses a modular setup, drawing from NASA’s Modular Common Spacecraft Bus. That means the same core platform can work as a lander or an orbiter.
The MX-1 is the base model. Its scalable patent-pending design lets them tweak it for anything from small payload deliveries to more involved scientific missions.
Moon Express builds these spacecraft using low-toxicity fuels and advanced carbon composites. Their PECO rocket engine runs on RP-1 fuel with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizer.
Because of this modular approach, customers can pick the right spacecraft size for their needs. The same basic design works for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, or even farther.
These robotic spacecraft do more than just deliver cargo. Scientific missions can use them to carry instruments that study lunar geology or hunt for water ice.
On the commercial side, companies can send up payloads like manufacturing equipment, communication devices, or resource extraction tools.
The spacecraft can also take research teams on charter science expeditions to places like asteroids, Mars, or other planets—no need for teams to build their own vehicles.
Once deployed, each MX vehicle runs autonomously. The robotic systems manage navigation, landing, and payload work without needing constant control from Earth.
Moon Express keeps mission costs down with a rideshare model. Multiple customers share space on the same spacecraft, so even universities and small companies can afford to get to the Moon.
The modular design helps keep manufacturing costs low. They can make standard components in larger batches and put them together for different missions.
Customers who need more can also charter a whole mission just for themselves. That’s handy for bigger payloads or missions that need a specific landing spot or timing.
Moon Express aims to make lunar missions affordable for organizations that never thought they could explore space. This opens up all sorts of new opportunities for research and business.
Moon Express has rolled out a whole lineup of robotic spacecraft for lunar missions and deep space exploration. The MX family goes from the small MX-1 single-engine lander to the big MX-9 dual-stage system that can even bring samples back from the Moon.
The MX-1 is the backbone of Moon Express’s robotic fleet. This single-engine lander weighs 250 kg fully fueled and can carry a 30 kg payload to the Moon.
It’s got a toroidal design for stability during lunar landings. The PECO engine uses RP-1 fuel and hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizer, making it an eco-friendly propulsion system. For precise landings, the thrusters run on hydrogen peroxide alone.
Moon Express built the MX-1 on NASA’s Modular Common Spacecraft Bus (MCSB), so it can work as a lander or an orbiter.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Mass | 250 kg (550 lb) |
| Payload Capacity | 30 kg (66 lb) |
| Power Output | 200 W |
| Engine Configuration | Single PECO engine |
They designed the MX-1 for mass production, so costs stay down. Each unit can fly solo as a lunar explorer or team up with others for bigger missions.
The MX-9 is the heavy hitter in the Moon Express lineup. With nine engines, it can haul about 500 kg of payload—enough for sample return missions from the Moon.
This spacecraft uses a dual-stage design to maximize what it can carry. Multiple PECO engines mean more thrust and backup if needed. The MX-9 can deliver scientific gear, rovers, and collection tools to the Moon.
Moon Express built the MX-9 for sample return capabilities. It can scoop up lunar materials and bring them back to Earth for study. That’s a big deal for mining and science alike.
The MX-9 sticks with the same eco-friendly propulsion as the smaller models. All engines use RP-1 fuel and hydrogen peroxide, keeping environmental impact low during Earth-based testing and operations.
Moon Express lined up three initial robotic missions to prove commercial lunar access is possible and set the stage for more exploration. These expeditions would put the MX spacecraft through their paces and carry all kinds of payloads to different spots on the Moon.
The Lunar Scout expedition was Moon Express’s first commercial trip to the Moon. They wanted to show that private companies can reach lunar destinations without breaking the bank.
The robotic spacecraft carried several payloads on this demo flight. Notably, it included the International Lunar Observatory, the “MoonLight” scientific equipment from INFN National Laboratories of Frascati and the University of Maryland, and a Celestis memorial flight.
For this first landing, Moon Express aimed for the Moon’s equatorial region. The MX-1E robotic explorer was the workhorse for payload delivery.
This mission set new precedents for commercial lunar operations. It showed private companies could handle deep space missions that used to be government-only territory.
The Lunar Outpost expedition targeted the Moon’s South Pole, a spot known for concentrated water and valuable resources. The area’s “peaks of eternal light” get almost nonstop sunshine and have direct lines of communication with Earth.
Moon Express planned to set up the first commercial lunar research outpost there. The robotic spacecraft would search for water and minerals and deploy research instruments for their partners.
The South Pole’s constant sunlight makes solar power reliable, and the water deposits could help future human crews.
This expedition was a big move toward a permanent lunar presence. The outpost would lay the groundwork for more commercial activity and research on the Moon.
The Lunar Outpost expedition is Moon Express’s boldest commercial shot yet. They’re aiming to set up a permanent research hub at the Moon’s South Pole, which sounds almost unreal, doesn’t it?
This mission blends building infrastructure with resource exploration and scientific teamwork.
Moon Express built the Lunar Outpost mission to plant the first commercial research facility right on the lunar surface. They picked the Moon’s South Pole for some pretty compelling reasons.
The South Pole has these peaks of eternal light—basically, spots that get almost nonstop sunshine. That means the outpost can rely on steady solar power, which is a game changer.
Plus, this location keeps a direct line open for chatting with Earth. All those perks make it a sweet spot for long-term operations.
They’ll use their MX spacecraft family as the backbone of the outpost. These robotic systems run autonomously and juggle a bunch of research tasks.
Key outpost capabilities include:
The facility acts as a permanent base for ongoing lunar research. Moon Express wants to grow the outpost with every new mission.
Each fresh spacecraft brings more tech and tools to the table.
Finding and studying valuable lunar resources sits at the heart of this mission. Water ice is the main prize.
Lunar water gathers in thick patches near the South Pole. Scientists think a lot of it is still locked away in those shadowy craters.
This water could help future astronauts and maybe even jumpstart a whole lunar economy.
The Lunar Outpost packs some serious prospecting equipment to sniff out resources below the surface. Ground-penetrating radar looks for ice, while chemical analyzers check the quality and reachability of whatever they find.
Moon Express plans to run the first commercial resource extraction on the Moon. They’re gearing up to collect samples and ship them back to Earth.
These will be the first lunar resources owned by a private company.
Mining will start on a small scale. The outpost will try out different extraction methods and see what works best.
The Lunar Outpost welcomes research gear from all sorts of partners. Each group brings its own gadgets for unique science goals.
Confirmed research partnerships include:
The mission uses a rideshare model to cut costs for everyone. Multiple experiments split the ride and the bills, so even smaller organizations can get in on lunar research.
Partners bring their own equipment, and Moon Express handles the trip and basic support. The outpost’s power and comms keep everyone’s gear running.
Data collection keeps rolling the whole time.
Research covers lunar geology, astronomy, and resource checks. The South Pole offers research chances you just can’t get anywhere else.
Ancient materials hide in the shadows, while the constant sunlight lets scientists observe for the long haul.
Moon Express has set its sights on a truly daring goal: collecting lunar materials and bringing them back to Earth—something no private company has done before.
Their robotic spacecraft will try to return samples and kickstart a brand new commercial market for lunar resources.
The Harvest Moon expedition set out to achieve the first commercial sample return from the Moon. Moon Express built their MX-9 robotic craft to land, scoop up lunar soil and minerals, and then blast off for home.
If it works, this mission marks a huge leap for private space companies. No one in the private sector has tried to bring Moon rocks back before.
Moon Express wants to collect tens of kilograms of lunar material. They’re looking at both soil and rocks from the landing area.
These will be the only privately owned lunar samples on Earth. Some will go to scientists for research, while others might end up at auction.
Moon Express sees the Harvest Moon mission as the start of their business phase on the Moon. The samples they bring back will lay the groundwork for future mining.
They plan to split the haul between science and commerce. Research institutions get access to new lunar samples for study.
The rest goes up for auction or direct sale, basically creating a whole new market for privately collected space stuff.
Moon Express aims to make this the first in a series of regular lunar resource missions.
Future flights will ramp up collection and push toward full-on lunar mining.
The business plan banks on the rarity and value of real lunar materials. Private collectors and institutions are expected to pay top dollar for these samples.
Moon Express built its robotic spacecraft to haul all kinds of scientific gear and commercial cargo to the lunar surface. Their first mission features three main payloads, each showing off a different use for commercial lunar delivery.
The International Lunar Observatory stands out as one of the most ambitious scientific payloads on Moon Express’s first trip. This advanced telescope will capture observations right from the Moon, using the lunar environment’s unique perks for astronomy.
The observatory works free from Earth’s pesky atmosphere. That means crystal-clear views of galaxies, stars, and cosmic events.
Specialized cameras and sensors can handle the Moon’s wild temperature swings, from -250°F to 250°F. Solar panels and batteries keep everything powered during the Moon’s long day-night cycles.
Research teams from different countries will share the observatory’s data. This international setup helps spread out costs and boosts scientific returns.
Italy’s INFN National Laboratories of Frascati and the University of Maryland developed the MoonLight experiment. They’re testing laser communication between Earth and the Moon.
This tech could mean high-speed data transmission over 240,000 miles, which is pretty wild.
Laser comms beat traditional radio in a lot of ways. They can send more data and use less power.
That could make them vital for future lunar and deep space missions.
The MoonLight system has precision pointing to keep the laser aimed just right, even as the Moon spins and orbits. Ground stations on Earth catch the signals and test how well they get through.
They’ll watch how temperature swings, dust, and other lunar quirks affect communication performance.
Test results will shape the design of future lunar communication systems. Companies planning regular Moon deliveries are going to need reliable, high-speed links with Earth.
Celestis offers memorial spaceflights, letting families send a loved one’s ashes to space. The Moon Express mission carries a Celestis memorial payload, placing capsules on the lunar surface.
Each capsule holds a small amount of cremated remains and personal messages. They’re sealed up to last forever on the Moon.
Families get mission updates and can track the journey, which adds a personal touch.
This service appeals to space fans and families looking for a unique tribute. Lunar memorials cost more than Earth orbital flights, but the permanent placement is a big draw.
Celestis has flown several space memorial missions before, but this is their first commercial lunar surface offering.
Moon Express has shaken up lunar exploration economics with private sector innovation and smart robotic tech. Their approach slashes costs and opens up more research for both commercial and scientific groups.
Moon Express has kicked down the old barriers to lunar access by building affordable robotic spacecraft. Their MX-1 and MX-2 vehicles can handle all kinds of missions, letting universities, research groups, and private companies join the fun.
This model lets smaller organizations finally get in on lunar science. In the past, only big space agencies with deep pockets could afford Moon missions.
Moon Express changed that with reusable spacecraft and off-the-shelf parts.
They landed a partnership with NASA through the Innovative Lunar Demonstration Data program. That $10 million contract showed how agencies could just buy lunar data and services instead of building everything themselves.
Universities now have access to lunar research that used to be totally out of reach. Moon Express offers payload slots for geology, resource mapping, and planetary science at prices that make sense for academic budgets.
Moon Express cuts costs with modular spacecraft design and commercial manufacturing. Their robotic craft use proven tech instead of custom builds, saving both time and money.
Their Scout Class explorers can do a lot from one platform. The MX-1 handles surface work, sample collection, and data beaming with standard interfaces that make payload integration a breeze.
They use Silicon Valley production tricks to build spacecraft efficiently. Commercial-grade components keep costs down, skipping pricey space-qualified parts unless they’re really needed.
Moon Express also sees big potential in lunar water and precious metals. Dr. Barney Pell thinks platinum group metals on the Moon could outstrip Earth’s reserves, which could make lunar exploration a lot more profitable.
Moon Express has built up its lunar capabilities with strategic funding and key partnerships, especially with NASA. They’ve pulled in major investments and set up crucial government collaborations to push commercial lunar missions forward.
Moon Express raised $12.5 million over several funding rounds to develop spacecraft and lunar mission capabilities. They closed a $2.5 million bridge round in 2018 and kicked off a $20 million Series B round with $10 million already committed.
Minerva Capital Partners led the bridge and Series B rounds. Managing Partner Jocelyn Cortez-Young pointed to Moon Express’s business model and social impact potential as big reasons for backing them.
The Miami-based firm likes to support transformative innovators.
Other investors include Founders Fund, Autodesk, and Timur Artemyev. Their support helped build out Moon Express’s Cape Canaveral site and move spacecraft development ahead.
The funding aimed to get regular lunar missions going by 2020. Revenue plans focus on extracting lunar gold, cobalt, iron, palladium, platinum, tungsten, and Helium-3.
Moon Express teamed up with NASA through the Lunar CATALYST Program to develop new lander technologies for American lunar surface missions. NASA shared technical expertise and helped validate the company’s spacecraft systems.
Back in 2016, Moon Express hit a big milestone—it became the first commercial space company to get U.S. federal government approval for a private lunar mission. That regulatory green light cracked open the door for commercial lunar operations.
In November 2018, NASA picked Moon Express as one of several commercial partners for robotic lunar missions. This move let the company support NASA’s wider lunar exploration goals while chasing its own commercial ambitions.
Moon Express runs its operations from a 72-acre Space Campus at Cape Canaveral. They use the old Launch Complexes 17 and 18, which gives them access to established launch infrastructure and puts them close to NASA activities.
Moon Express sees the Moon as Earth’s eighth continent—a new frontier for humanity’s next big leap. They believe this celestial body holds huge economic potential because of its mineral resources and strategic location.
The Moon could become the foundation for humans living as a multi-world species. That idea feels both bold and a little bit daunting, doesn’t it?
The Moon has resources that could shake up Earth’s economy and boost space exploration. Water ice at the lunar poles can be split into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis, making rocket fuel right on the Moon.
This could turn the Moon into a refueling stop for missions going deeper into space. It’s kind of wild to think about topping off your spacecraft on the lunar surface.
Rare earth elements and Helium-3 are also up there, and they’re tough to find on Earth. Mining these from the Moon could supply materials for advanced electronics and maybe even clean fusion energy someday.
The peaks of eternal light on the Moon get nearly constant sunlight, which is perfect for solar power generation. These spots also keep a direct line of communication with Earth, making them great places for research stations and commercial projects.
Private companies like Moon Express have shown that commercial lunar missions can cost way less than old-school government programs. Lower costs make it more realistic to extract and ship lunar resources.
If humanity wants to become a multi-world civilization, the first step is setting up a permanent home on the Moon. The lunar environment acts as a proving ground for technology and life support systems we’ll need on Mars and beyond.
Moon Express dreams of a future where people look up at the Moon and see lights from human settlements. That vision is kind of inspiring, honestly.
Expanding Earth’s economic and social reach to the Moon gives humanity backup locations in case disaster strikes. More worlds mean less risk of extinction from catastrophic events.
The Moon acts as our training ground for living off-world. It’s close enough for quick communication and emergency help, so we can learn how to survive away from Earth.
Skills and technologies developed on the Moon will help us reach asteroids, Mars, and maybe places we haven’t even thought of yet. The possibilities feel endless.
Commercial lunar development opens up space exploration to more people. Lower costs mean researchers, universities, and even smaller countries can get involved.
That broader participation could speed up scientific discoveries and new tech across all kinds of fields.
People have a lot of questions for Moon Express about its lunar goals, leadership, career options, investment opportunities, partnerships, and business operations. As a private space venture, Moon Express draws curiosity about how it works and what services it actually offers.
Moon Express hasn’t landed on the Moon yet. The company started in 2010, aiming to win the $30 million Google Lunar X Prize.
The Google Lunar X Prize ended before Moon Express could complete a lunar mission. Still, the company keeps working on robotic spacecraft tech for missions beyond Earth.
They’re focusing on low-cost robotic spacecraft systems. The goal is to make reaching the Moon—and even asteroids and Mars—less expensive.
Moon Express wants to make lunar research and exploration available to more commercial customers. They’re out to create new business models for government space missions, too.
A group of Silicon Valley and space industry entrepreneurs founded Moon Express in 2010. They brought together tech and aerospace know-how.
The company operates as a privately held American corporation. Its headquarters sits at 100 Spaceport Way in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The founders set out to build a commercial space transportation company. Mining the Moon for valuable resources was a big part of their vision.
Moon Express works in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry. They develop robotic spacecraft and space exploration systems.
If you’re job hunting, you can check standard employment platforms for Moon Express openings. The Florida headquarters probably offers technical and administrative roles.
Most roles likely focus on aerospace engineering, robotics, or space mission planning. Their work on spacecraft systems means they need people with specialized technical skills.
Moon Express is still a privately held company, so you can’t just buy stock on the open market. So far, they’ve raised about $65.57 million through different funding rounds.
Their latest funding round was a Bridge round. If you’re a qualified investor, there might be private investment opportunities through venture capital channels.
Anyone interested in investing should reach out to the company directly. Private space companies usually work with accredited investors and big institutions.
Moon Express develops its robotic spacecraft technology on its own while staying active in the broader commercial space industry. They want to support both commercial and government missions.
The space industry thrives on collaboration between private companies and government agencies. Moon Express tries to keep itself open to working with a range of customers and partners.
If you want details about specific partnerships, you’ll probably need to contact Moon Express directly. Their business model includes offering services to both government missions and commercial clients.
Moon Express doesn’t run any traditional trucking services. Instead, they focus entirely on space transportation and building robotic spacecraft.
If you’ve seen “Moon Express trucking” mentioned anywhere, that’s probably just confusion with other companies using similar names. Moon Express deals with aerospace tech, not moving cargo on roads.
Their transportation services are all about space missions. They design and develop spacecraft for journeys to the Moon, asteroids, and even Mars.
