Interlune secures funding to advance lunar exploration in Texas

In a significant move to enhance lunar exploration, the Texas Space Commission has awarded a $4.84 million grant to Interlune, a natural resources firm based in Seattle, allowing the company to establish a facility in Texas. This facility will be dedicated to the development and testing of imitation moon dirt, commonly referred to as regolith, adjacent to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The venture aligns with the growing interest in space exploration and resource utilization beyond Earth. Interlune aims to create high-fidelity testing environments that replicate lunar conditions, which are essential for the advancement of technologies and equipment aimed at exploring the moon and potentially Mars in the future. The facility will be instrumental in producing various types and quantities of imitation lunar regolith to support research and development for lunar technologies, including landers and rovers. The project is spearheaded by Interlune’s Chief Executive Officer Rob Meyerson, who highlighted the importance of simulating lunar conditions effectively to foster innovation in space exploration. Additionally, Elizabeth Frank, the chief scientist at Interlune, will lead the scientific efforts at the regolith center, which includes a dedicated Texas-based team. Facilitating the production of imitation moon dirt will not only advance lunar missions but could also position the U.S. as a leader in the emerging field of in-space resources. According to Meyerson, technological and economic feasibility regarding the harvesting of natural resources from the moon marks a new era for lunar exploration, fostering an economy that might sustain human life in space for generations. The implications of the work at the new facility extend beyond immediate lunar applications, as similar technologies may eventually be adapted for Mars or other extraterrestrial environments. Furthermore, the imitation lunar regolith created at this center will be made available for various entities, including other companies, research institutions, and government organizations, promoting collaboration and shared advancements in space technology. As the global community ramps up its interest in the moon and its resources, this initiative represents a proactive step towards not only exploring but also utilizing lunar materials. Meyerson expressed optimism in the response from the Texas Space Commission, suggesting that their support will enhance the capabilities of those in the lunar exploration community. Overall, the establishment of this facility marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of space exploration and resource acquisition, laying the foundation for a sustained human presence beyond Earth.