Interlune, a spacetech startup spearheaded by former Blue Origin leaders, has quietly secured a significant $15.5 million in new funding and has its sights set on closing an additional $2 million, as disclosed in its filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The brainchild of Rob Meyerson, an esteemed aerospace executive who served as president at Blue Origin for a commendable 15 years, Interlune has caught the attention of investors and industry observers alike. According to reports from TechCrunch, the startup’s ambitious vision and seasoned leadership have attracted substantial support from the investment community.
The primary objective of Interlune is to revolutionize space exploration by focusing on the extraction of resources from the Moon. Having already secured a $1.85 million seed round in 2022, the company is now gearing up for its next phase of growth with the recent injection of capital.
Gary Lai, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Interlune, emphasized the startup’s pioneering mission, stating, “We aim to be the first company that harvests natural resources from the moon to use here on Earth.” Lai further elaborated on the company’s strategy, highlighting its commitment to developing a novel approach to resource extraction that is both efficient and environmentally responsible.
With a stellar career spanning over 20 years at Blue Origin, Gary Lai brings invaluable expertise to Interlune. During his tenure at the Jeff Bezos-led company, Lai held pivotal roles, including Chief Architect for space transportation systems, where he played a key role in the development of launchers and lunar landers.
Interlune’s vision is articulated clearly on its website, where it boldly proclaims, “Harvesting natural resources from space to benefit Earth and establish an in-space economy.” The company envisions a future where Earth’s resources are augmented by those sourced from space, laying the groundwork for a sustainable in-space economy.
The startup’s recent accolades include a grant from the US National Science Foundation (NSF), amounting to $246,000. This grant underscores the NSF’s recognition of Interlune’s innovative endeavors and supports the company’s efforts to develop a system capable of sorting moon dirt by particle size—an essential step in the resource extraction process.
As Interlune continues to chart new frontiers in space exploration and resource utilization, its endeavors represent a significant milestone in humanity’s quest to harness the vast potential of the cosmos. With seasoned leadership, innovative technology, and strong financial backing, Interlune is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and paving the way for a new era of space-based commerce and industry.