Greek-American businessman's competition for a private mission to the Moon

Without a winner the Greek-American businessman's competition for a private mission to the Moon

The contest was announced in 2007 - Since 2012 it has been extended four times until the end of March this year - But Google - putting the prize money - did not want to give a new extension.

The Google Lunar X Prize contest, which would award $ 20 million to any private company that managed to get a boat and a robotic rover on the moon by March 31, 2018, was prematurely terminated without a winner, as it was judged that none of the five remaining contestants in the "race", he would not have done well in time.

The competition was announced in 2007 and was organized by visionary Greek-American engineer and businessman Peter Diamond, president of the X Prize Foundation, in partnership with Google.

The aim was to encourage private commercial space missions, starting with the Moon. In addition to the first $ 20 million prize, the second would be $ 5 million, while another $ 5 million would be distributed to those who excelled.

"After a close consultation with the five finalists of the competition, we have come to the conclusion that no group attempts to reach the Moon by the deadline of 31 March," said Diamantis. "Due to the difficulties in obtaining funding and other technical and regulatory challenges, the big prize, Google Lunar X Prize, will not be claimed by anyone," he added.

The winner had to send a robotic vehicle to the moon, to move there for at least 500 meters and to send high-resolution photos and videos to Earth. The initial cut-off date was at the end of 2012, but it had to be extended four times, until the end of March was finally set this year - but again without results.

According to information, Google - who was putting the prize money - did not want to give a new extension.

The always optimistic P. Diamantis said that "X Prize is looking for new ways to move forward. These may be finding a new donor who will contribute the prize money, following Google's generous steps, or the continuation of the Lunar X Prize, but without a cash prize. "

The five finalists who did not finish were Moon Express, Japanese Team Hakuto, Israeli SpaceIL, Indian Team Indus and the international team Synergy Moon.

A spokesman for the Israeli team said that "SpaceIL is committed to launching the first Israeli vessel on the moon, regardless of the Lunar X Award. We are at the forefront of our efforts to raise funds for this project and prepare for the launch."

It remains unclear what plans the other groups have and whether they will continue to try to "conquer" the Moon.