Moon Express is an American private space company founded in 2010 with the goal of lunar resources exploration. While initially focused on winning the Google Lunar X Prize, it shifted its focus to supporting NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Moon Express designs scalable robotic spacecraft, including the MX-1, MX-2, and MX-9 series, for lunar transport and resource prospecting. The company has partnered with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to develop lunar landers and explore collaboration opportunities.
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The Moon Express funding will support redevelopment of Launch Complex 17 at Cape Canaveral.
Moon Express is planning its first lunar lander mission in 2019.
Moon Express signed a contract in 2015 for several launches on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.
Moon Express’ MX-9 lander system can deliver up to 500 kg to the lunar surface and incorporates Resource Prospector-class mission requirements into its design.
Moon Express is working to have the MX-9 operationally available by 2021 for rover and sample return missions.