Space Agency Nasa has selected three companies to build the US lunar lander. Space X, Blue Origin and Dynetics will receive grants to prepare astronauts to return to the moon within five years.
It is the first time since 1972 that the United States has ordered lunar landers. But unlike then, the moon will this time act as an intermediate station for exploring other celestial bodies in our solar system.
- I think we have the potential for an incredibly exciting future in space, with a base on the moon and by extension sending people to a self-sufficient city on Mars, comments Elon Musk, CEO of Space X.
Space X is also responsible for the rocket system when the US resumes its own passenger transport later in May to the International Space Station (ISS).