The International Lunar Observatory begins operations
The International Lunar Observatory (ILO) is a collaboration between two companies – Moon Express and the International Lunar Observatory Association. The project is both scientific and commercial. It places a telescope on Malapert Mountain, a 5 km (3.1 mi) crater rim at the Moon's southern pole. Its 2 m (6.6 ft) dish antenna can observe space without interference from Earth's atmosphere and is the first private instrument to conduct astrophysical studies and communications from the lunar surface.
The ILO features an internet-based access and control system, made available to researchers, educators and the general public. This is designed to promote a new model of "citizen science", public participation and international collaboration. In addition to capturing images of the Milky Way galaxy and deep space, it also takes photos of the lunar horizon and Earth.
A small rover is also deployed. This prospects for resources including metals, minerals and water, in the hope of locating deposits that could be extracted in the future. The ILO is preceded by a proof-of-concept mission known as the ILO-X, launched in 2015. This shoebox-sized device is followed by the much larger telescope and exploratory rover in 2016.
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