Provided by Dear Moon Project
The list of civilian groups to travel to the moon in 2023 has been revealed. It is the first time that a group made up of civilians will fly around the moon for the first time, including top, a member of singer ‘Big Bang’.
On the 9th, the Dear Moon Project unveiled 8 people and 2 prospective members who will participate in ‘Dear Moon’, the first civilian moon travel project. The Dear Moon Project is a program sponsored by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa.
Maezawa, who was the first Japanese civilian to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) in December of last year, revealed the purpose of the program, saying, “I want to open the door of opportunity to go to space to people with various talents.”
The Dear Moon Project has been openly recruiting applicants to fly to the moon since March last year. More than 1 million people from 249 countries applied. The final list was selected following document screening, interviews, and health checkups. Eight people were selected, including T.O.P, music producer Steve Aoki, photographer Rhiannon Adam, and Indian influencer Dev Joshi. 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics gold medalist Kaitlyn Farrington and Japanese choreographer Miyu were named on the preliminary list. The eight will return to Earth following flying in lunar orbit for regarding seven days with Maezawa.
They board the SpaceX spacecraft ‘Starship’. “The experience of flying around the Moon will inspire everyone on Earth,” said Jessica Jensen, SpaceX Vice President of Customer Operations and Integration. ”he said.
“I hope that everyone will gain a lot from this project and will be able to contribute to the earth and humanity through this experience,” said Maezawa.
