Moon Express, a California-based company located in Mountain View, is attempting to send the first commercial robotic spacecraft to the Moon next year, by teaming up with NASA. A recent test and a series of tests that will happen later this year will help Moon Express to send its lander to the moon next year, and then mine the moon in two missions afterwards, said Moon Express's billionaire co-founder Naveen Jain.
Moon Express had the help of NASA engineers when it conducted its tests. The goal of the exploration will be to help develop new methods for the U.S. to travel to the moon and access its vast resources.
If Moon Express's 2016 mission is successful, Jain is planning a second and third mission, according to News.com.au. The goal of those missions will be to bring minerals and precious metals back to Earth
NASA is also collaborating with Mastern Space Systems. The goal of the joint venture is to develop robotic spacecraft.
Recently Moon Express also took over a Space Launch Complex located at Cape Canaveral in Florida. It was previously the home of NASA's moon and rocket programs.
Jain stated that NASA wants to work with a company that has the "best chance" of traveling to the moon, according to NBC News. The billionaire believes that the moon contains rare minerals and precious metals that could improve Earth's energy problems.
Such materials that exist on the moon include gold, iron, cobalt, platinum, and Helium-3. Helium-3 is interesting as it can create nuclear power minus the radioactive waste.
Jain observed that today's iPhones are more powerful than the computers that NASA used during its missions to the moon five decades ago. Thus, today's technology can provide new opportunities for moon missions.
The founder of Moon Express compared his company's objectives to giving diamonds to someone beloved. However, instead of giving diamonds, you would show your love by "giving...the moon."