Interlune Secures $4.8 Million Texas Space Commission Grant to Establish Groundbreaking R&D Facility for Lunar Resources

In a monumental stride for both space exploration and regional economic development, Interlune, a pioneering company dedicated to unlocking the Moon's vast potential, has announced the establishment of a cutting-edge Research and Development facility in Texas. This ambitious project is significantly bolstered by a substantial $4.8 million grant from the Texas Space Commission's Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research & Commercialization (SEARCH) fund.

The new facility, strategically located in the vibrant Houston area, is poised to become a global hub for innovation in lunar resource utilization.

Interlune’s core mission revolves around being the first entity to successfully harvest valuable materials from the lunar surface, a crucial step for sustained human presence in space and the development of a cislunar economy. The Texas R&D center will be at the forefront of this endeavor, focusing specifically on developing advanced technologies for the extraction and processing of critical lunar resources, including the highly sought-after helium-3, a potential clean energy source.

This significant investment underscores Texas's growing prominence in the aerospace and space technology sectors.

The SEARCH fund was established to catalyze such groundbreaking initiatives, ensuring that the Lone Star State remains at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and commercial advancement in space. The grant to Interlune exemplifies the Commission's commitment to fostering a robust space ecosystem within Texas, attracting top talent, and stimulating high-tech job creation.

Rob Meyerson, Co-founder and CEO of Interlune, expressed profound enthusiasm for the grant and the strategic location: "Texas has rapidly solidified its position as a premier destination for space innovation, and the Texas Space Commission's SEARCH program is a testament to the state's forward-thinking vision.

This grant is instrumental in accelerating our efforts to develop the necessary technologies for lunar resource harvesting. We are excited to contribute to the economic vitality of Texas while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space."

Echoing this sentiment, Lance Scott, Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, remarked, "The Texas Space Commission is dedicated to propelling our state to the forefront of space exploration and commercialization.

Interlune’s new R&D facility represents a significant leap forward, not only in advancing lunar resource capabilities but also in creating high-value jobs and fostering economic growth right here in Texas. This partnership reinforces our commitment to building a thriving space industry ecosystem."

Slated to become operational in 2025, Interlune's Texas facility will not only be a crucible for technological breakthroughs but also a beacon for talent, drawing engineers, scientists, and technicians to the region.

By developing the means to access and utilize off-world resources, Interlune and the Texas Space Commission are collectively paving the way for a sustainable future in space, ensuring that humanity’s reach extends further and more effectively than ever before.