The first lunar mission to the moon by Africa has been announced and is being spearheaded by the Foundation for Space Development located in Capetown, South Africa. The campaign is being almost entirely crowdfunded and has rapidly build up popularity online through the hashtag #Africa2Moon.
The move is being utilized to inspire the African nation, especially the new generation, into realizing that they can reach their dreams if they strive hard enough. It’s also hoped that the campaign will drive interest in education through the roof. They hope to raise at least $150,000 for phase one, lasting between January and November 2015, which will allow the FSD to develop their mission concept and complete their feasibility study.
The main mission concept will be collaboration under a team of experts assembled from some of the leading African universities and industries including a variety of international space experts, all under Mission Administrator Professor Martinez and Project Administrator Johnathon Weltman. Martinez is the convener for the space studies program at the University of Cape Town as well as the chairman of the South African Council for Space Affairs. Meanwhile, Weltman is the CEO of the FSD and a master aeronautical engineer.
The program also aims to promote education in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and as such, the project has committed to pledge at least 25% of all funds received into these fields through a series of #Africa2Moon workshops for both educators and students alike, among other public activities and campaigns.
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[Source: Universe Today – Africa’s First Mission to the Moon Announced]