Interlune, a spacetech startup co-founded by former leaders of Blue Origin, has secured an impressive funding amount of $15.5 million for its groundbreaking mission to gather resources from the Moon. This latest achievement marks a significant step forward for the company, which is now seeking an additional $2 million, as stated in their filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Rob Meyerson, the head of Interlune and a respected figure in the aerospace industry, brings with him 15 years of invaluable experience from his tenure as president at Blue Origin. With a clear goal in mind, the Interlune team aims to surpass the limitations of resource acquisition confined to Earth. In 2022, the company previously raised $1.85 million in a seed round, demonstrating their commitment to their vision.
Gary Lai, Interlune’s Chief Technology Officer, speaks passionately about their mission, emphasizing the revolutionary approach to extracting natural resources from the Moon. He envisions a future where this resource acquisition is not only efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally responsible. Lai’s 20-year career at Blue Origin as the chief architect for space transportation systems further highlights his expertise in developing cutting-edge technology for space exploration.
The official website of Interlune underscores their dedication to harvesting natural resources from space for the benefit of Earth and the establishment of an in-space economy. It is clear that this start-up is envisioning a future where the abundant resources of our celestial neighbor play a crucial role in addressing the growing needs of our planet.
Recently, Interlune received a noteworthy grant of $246,000 from the US National Science Foundation (NSF), highlighting their commitment to innovation. This financial support will aid in the development of a sophisticated system capable of effectively sorting lunar soil based on particle size.
Interlune’s endeavors push humanity towards new frontiers, and the implications of their mission go beyond resource acquisition. They have the potential to reshape our approach to space exploration, offering a glimpse into a future where the sustainability of our planet is intrinsically linked to the resources we harness from space.