# Private Lunar Launch Projects Moon Express and Rocket Lab Will Go Lunar In 2017 By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-10-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-express References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/moon-express-rocket-lab-team-2017-lunar-mission/39714/) & [moonexpress](http://www.moonexpress.com/) A space startup by the name of Moon Express has signed a contract with [Rocket Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle) that will see the latter provide launch services to help carry out a trio of lunar missions starting as early as 2017. This contract is in itself an important milestone in the history of space travel, as it is essentially the first ever private contract between two companies with the purpose of carrying out a [lunar landing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-outpost-ltv). Indeed the agreement will see Rocket Lab's Electroc rocket system being used to provide launch services for the Moon Express MX-1 lunar lander. Moon Express is hoping the venture will enable it to win the [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-health-api) Lunar Xprize. Ultimately, Moon Express is looking to put together innovative and disruptive technologies "that will forever change the cost of access to space, including the asteroids and even the moons of Mars," says Moon Express' Chairman and Co-Founder Naveen Jain. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Private Lunar Missions:** Creating opportunities for companies to conduct lunar missions without government funding and regulation. - **Commercial Space Launch Services:** Expanding the market for private space launch services to offer affordable and accessible options for businesses beyond Earth's orbit. - **Innovative Space Technology:** Developing new and advanced space technology and equipment for lunar missions that will enhance commercial space travel capabilities. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** Expanding the private space sector and encouraging more competition and collaboration within the space exploration industry. - **Aerospace:** Integrating private sector innovation into the aerospace industry and promoting new growth opportunities through collaborative partnerships. - **Technology:** Advancing technology development and innovation that will impact and enhance space exploration and travel capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Private Space Exploration Rovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/private-space-exploration.md) - [Long-Term Lunar Exploration Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longterm-lunar-exploration.md) - [Space-Launching Science Missions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-glenn-1.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [First-Ever Outer Space Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selenian.md) - [Hypersonic Launch Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launch-vehicle.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [Space Exploration Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-launch.md) - [Space Exploration Hotel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uplift-aerospace.md)