HELSINKI -- An Omani space company has aligned with China's ambition to establish the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), marking a significant step in global lunar collaboration. On December 2, Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration project, signed a memorandum of understanding with Oman Lens to contribute to the ILRS, which aims to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and sustainable space exploration.
China envisions launching a basic robotic ILRS by 2035, with essential infrastructure including power and communications facilities. Precursor missions, Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8, are slated for launch in 2026 and 2028, respectively, targeting the moon's south pole.
Meanwhile, Australia's Fleet Space Technologies secured $100 million in funding to enhance its satellite-based mineral exploration capabilities and develop lunar exploration technologies. The company plans to deploy a lightweight seismic sensor, known as SPIDER, on Firefly Aerospace's lunar lander mission in 2026, aiming to gather data on the moon's subsurface.
The funding round, led by Teachers' Venture Growth, brings Fleet's total venture funding to over $165 million, valuing the company at $525 million. Fleet's innovations in miniaturizing ground sensors will not only aid lunar missions but also benefit terrestrial mineral exploration efforts.
These developments highlight a growing trend of international collaboration in space exploration, with Oman and Australia making significant strides in their respective initiatives. Oman aims to diversify its economy through space technology, while Fleet's advancements position it as a key player in the emerging lunar economy.