The Primary Goal of the ILO Mission is to Expand Human Understanding of the Cosmos Through Observation from Our Moon. ILOA is an interglobal enterprise incorporated in Hawai'i as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2007 to help realize the multifunctional ILO for long-term astronomy, science and exploration at the Moon South Pole, and to participate in human lunar base build-out - with Aloha. ILOA also has, since 2008, co-sponsored with its Space Age Publishing Company affiliate an international series of Galaxy Forums.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Durst, Waimea, Hawai`i: Founding Director of ILOA is also Editor and Publisher of Space Age Publishing Company. Active advocate and supporter of Space and Lunar Enterprise, and 21st Century Galaxy Education.
Kimo Pihana, Hilo, Hawaii: Native Hawaiian Kahuna and Cultural Practitioner, former Mauna Kea Ranger.
Ouyang Ziyuan, Beijing, China: Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Chief Scientist of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (Chang'e program).
Jean-Luc Josset, Neuchâtel, Switzerland: CEO of Space Exploration Institute. Principle Investigator of AMIE Camera which orbited the Moon aboard the ESA SMART-1 spacecraft.
Christian Veillet, Tucson, Arizona: Astronomer. Director Of Large Binocular Telescope Observatory, Former Director of Canada France Hawaii Telescope.
Maohai Huang, Beijing, China: Professor of Astrophysics at NAOC. Made 6 trips to Antarctica for Astrophysical research. Assistant of Chief Lunar Scientist Ziyuan Ouyang. PhD Graduate of BU.
Yuki Takahashi, Fukuoka, Japan: Astrophysicist, graduate of UC Berkeley, PhD research conducted on Astronomy from Antarctica. Previously worked as a Radio Frequency engineer at SpaceX.
David Schrunk, Poway, California: Doctor of Nuclear Medicine. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering & Author of The Moon: Resources, Future Development, and Settlement.
Christian Sallaberger, Toronto, Canada: President of Canadensys Aerospace Corporation. Board of Trustee Chairman for International Space University (ISU) and Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto.
Shawna Pandya, Edmonton, Canada: Medical Doctor. CMO for CiviGuard, Inc. ISU graduate. Research interests include space medicine and telemedicine. Currently works as instructor at PoSSUM Citizen Scientist astronauts, and at Sea Space Exploration & Research Society.
Robert Richards, Toronto, Canada: Space entrepreneur and futurist. Co-Founder of ISU, Singularity University, SEDS. Co-Founder and CEO of Moon Express & Co-chair for Exploration Committee of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation.
Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Professor, Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, NASA Astronaut with five flights 1978-1997; has logged more than 1,211 hours and 21.5 million miles in space.
Trond Krovel, Konstanz Area, Germany: AOCS and GNC Engineer at EADS Astrium. ISU graduate. Former President of SSETI.
Jinliang Hou, Shanghai, China: Shanghai Astronomical Observatory CAS, Vice Director Research Center for Galaxies and Cosmology.
Peter Martinez, Washington D.C.: Executive Director of the Secure World Foundation; Space Studies Program at University of Cape Town. Formerly Division Head for Space Science & Technology at the South African Astronomical Observatory.
Bill Carswell, Huntsville, Alabama: PhD in Space Materials Processing. Project Management Specialist.
Misuzu Onuki, Tokyo, Japan: Space entrepreneur. Experience with JAXA, commercial space initiatives, and Space Access Japan. First non-USA citizen invited to be a SFF advocate. Serves on World Space Week Board of Directors and at Space Frontier fund as a fund manager and Senior Vice President of SPARX Innovation for Future.
Joseph Sulla, Honokaa, Hawaii: ILOA Consultant & Member of ILOA Executive Committee.
Chatief Kunjaya, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia: Associate Professor at the Department of Astronomy, Institut Teknologi Bandung; formerly the Rector of Ma Chung University 2015-2019.
Boonrucksar Soonthornthum, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Vice President IAU Commission C and Chair of the Southeast Asia Astronomy Network (SEAAN); Founder Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.
Diego Mardones, Santiago, Chile: Professor of Astronomy at University of Chile, Santiago.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: First Malaysia Astronaut, and an orthopedic surgeon; flew to ISS aboard Soyuz TMA-11 with Expedition 16 crew Oct 2007; Supports Malaysian Astronaut Foundation, is Co-Founder of Aladdin Group Dato.
Naoko Yamazaki, Tokyo, Japan: Second Japan woman to fly in space, accumulated more than 15 days at ISS April 2010 flying on Space Shuttle Discovery STS-131; is on the Japan Cabinet Office Space Policy Committee, advisor for Young Astronauts Club - Japan, and a director of Japan Rocket Society.
Ir. Arry Buchori Darmansyah MM, Jakarta, Indonesia: President Director of 2-hectare, space-themed recreation park Among Putro SkyWorld Indonesia; entrepreneur / businessman.
Maria Antonietta Perino, Torino, Italy: Director International Relations for Exploration & Science Programs at Thales Alenia Space Italia; holds a degree in nuclear engineering; alumna and faculty of International Space University; is a member of the Academie de l'Air et de l'Espace and of the International Academy of Astronautics, and former VP of the International Astronautical Federation Bureau. Recently awarded "Stella al Merito del Lavoro" by the President of the Italian Republic.
Huimin Qin Warbus, Keaau, Hawaii: China Consultant for ILOA; M. A. in China-US Relations, M. E. in Civil Engineering; Senior project engineer and technology specialist.
Margarita Safonova, Bengaluru, India: Working in Indian Institute of Astrophysics since 2006, previous work experience in Cambridge, UK & Tehran, Iran; Born in Russia, obtained M.Sc. in Chemistry from Mendeleev's University of Chemical Technology (1987), M.Sc. in Physics from Moscow State University (1991), Ph.D. in Astrophysics from University of Delhi, Dept. Physics & Astrophysics (2002); research interests are: application of gravitational lensing in astrophysics and cosmology, UV astronomy from space and near space, habitability of exoplanets and astrobiology.
Suijian Xue, Beijing, China: Group leader at National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. Xue received his BS degree in astronomy from Nanjing University in 1987 and PhD in astrophysics from University of Science and Technology of China in 1996.
Ad Astra
Commander John Young (2018): Retired NASA Astronaut. Longest career of any USA Astronaut, making 7 space flights over course of 42 years of service. 3 Moonwalks during Apollo 16. Piloted Gemini, Apollo Command/Service Module, Apollo Lunar Module, Lunar Roving Vehicle & Space Shuttle. Awarded the "Astronaut of the Century" memorial plaque by ILOA in 2012 and served instructively and inspirationally as ILOA Director Emeritus since addressing the ILOA Founders Meeting in 2007.
Prof. U.R. Rao (2017): Served as chairman of the Governing Council of the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad. Former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Great India scientist, humanitarian and space visionary. One of the Founding Directors of ILOA.
Paul Lowman (2011): Geophysicist at Goddard Space Flight Center, Lowman helped plan early Apollo missions, and analyzed lunar samples and data from Apollo 15 and Apollo 16; Author and self-educated astronomer. First ILOA Chief Scientist.
Jim Benson (2008): American entrepreneur, founder of Benson Space Company and SpaceDev; served as ILOA Advisor, Contractor, Supporter from 2000 onward.
TESTIMONIALS
"Progress in our understanding of the Universe always occurs with the opening of new technological advancements driven by a vision for exploration. Astronomy from the Moon is such a vision and, through pioneer efforts led among others by ILOA, mankind is about to enter that new frontier: Observing our Galaxy and the Cosmos from the lunar surface. The State of Hawaii is already host of world-class astronomical facilities and has now the opportunity to support this innovative endeavor in our quest of exploring the Universe."
Dr. R. Pierre Martin
Assistant Professor/Observatory Director
Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
University of Hawaii at Hilo
“ILOA’s efforts to promote and develop technologies for the advancement of astronomical research from the surface of the moon are unique worldwide and will help create an important extension of the ground based and space based observatories humanity relies upon in the 21st century to study the universe and our place in it.”
Doug Simons
Executive Director
Canada France Hawaii Telescope
Kamuela and Mauna Kea, Hawaii
“Since the early days of my tenure as Executive Director of the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope (2003‐2012), I have been a strong supporter of ILOA and its vision of humanity expanding to other worlds. I am currently Director of the Large Binocular Telescope, another observatory on top of Mount Graham in Arizona.
It is with much enthusiasm that I support the ILOA Request for Endorsement for “Astronomy From The Moon -- 21st Century New Frontier Offers Opportunities for Hawai`i”
Astronomy from the Moon is a natural next step after the implementation of observatories on the volcanic expands of the summits of Maunakea, Mauna Loa, or Haleakalā. It is even more so for the State of Hawai`i, which is already playing a preeminent role in ground‐based astronomy through its observatories on the Islands of Hawai`i and Maui, complemented by the UH Institute of Astronomy, a first rate state‐wide educational and research facility.
I sincerely hope that this initiative will be endorsed by the State of Hawai`i, allowing its people to be part of this exciting endeavor.”
Christian Veillet
Director, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
Tucson, Arizona
“ILOA has spent more than a decade breaking down barriers and drawing groups together - internationally, culturally, scientifically and educationally. Their uniquely inclusive vision for lunar exploration continues to unite and inspire while their Galaxy Forum education program has drawn equal praise around the globe. It is fitting that the state of Hawai’i, having given so much to the world with its incredible contributions in astronomy and space science, is the home of the organization coordinating a global initiative to not only open a new frontier in astronomy, but also ensure the people of Hawai’i are able to share equally in the scientific, technological and socioeconomic returns from the next decade of international space exploration. We are proud to be counted among those supporting ILOA in bringing their pioneering lunar vision to reality, and are honoured to be able to play our part in giving back to the beautiful island of Hawai’i.”
Christian Sallaberger
President & CEO
Canadensys Aerospace Corporation
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“The Moon -- with its ability to provide a stable permanent platform and a shield against solar and terrestrial interference -- will someday likely become what Mauna Kea has been for astronomy. ILOA, headquartered in Hawaii with dedicated members, has the potential to lead this evolution in humanity's search for our place in the universe.”
Dr. Yuki Takahashi
Astronomer, Explorer, Adventurer
Somewhere Interesting
“I am one of the directors to ILOA, and as their cultural practitioner, I am in support of ILOAs efforts of studying astronomy from the moon. Reasons for this are that I believe we can prepare for future endeavors by utilizing the moon as a home base for astronomy. This will help us further investigate the mysteries of deep space and gaining a better understanding of the universe around us. The moon provides the ultimate viewpoint for studying the stars and the benefits for future astronomers could be endless. Another reason I support this mission is that it is the first of its kind, and it is an international quest. The moon to me means a new era of astronomy, it would build a bridge between the galaxy and our planet as we know it. Without further delay I hereby state my support for the ILO-1/Robotic village new frontier.”
James Kelii Pihana
Hawai`i Kupuna and Cultural Practitioner
Hilo, Hawaii, USA
“Explore the heavens from the heavens. Astronomy from the moon is an idea whose time has come. It is a practical, affordable and valuable opportunity for Hawai’i to continue its long standing role as a pioneer in the expansion of human spirit and knowledge.”
Bill Carswell, Ph.D., PMP
Research Scientist
University Alabama Huntsville, USA
“Ancient humans overcame the ocean to arrive at small isolated habitable islands of Hawaii, and flourished. I see the same spirit in modern day Hawaiians as they overcome space to reach out from our small isolated habitable planet of Earth, to its nearest neighbor.”
Maohai Huang, PhD (Boston University)
Professor of Astrophysics,
National Astronomical Observatories – Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC)
Beijing, China
“Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) will continue to support the ILOA in its operation and activities, such as Galaxy Forum and personal interaction among the ILOA community. And also astronomers from SHAO will contribute their talents in realization of astronomical observation from the moon, either in science and technique.”
Jinliang HOU 侯金良
Research Center for Galaxies and Cosmology
Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shanghai, China
“Without any second thought, I strongly endorse the "ILOA Initiative for Hawaii State Endorsement of Astronomy from the Moon". Having worked in the area of Astronomy for a very long time, I acknowledge the need of such programs both in USA and China, and our collaboration on the same agenda can help us achieve our mutual goals in near future.”
Ziyuan Ouyang
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS),
and Chief Scientist of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (Chang'e program)
Beijing, China
“In spite of its small size, Hawaii has been operating the most advanced astronomical observatories on earth, due to its wonderful climate, availability of very high altitude site, least pollution and above all the wonderful nature of its people. I have no doubt you must be very proud of your country which has greatly contributed to our knowledge of the heavens.
It was just about 6 years ago Dr. Steve Durst and his colleagues set up ILOA and constituted a Committee of International Experts, of which I was one, to plan and implement a very ambitious program of setting-up a permanent telescope on the Moon. Steve Durst and his team got together best of experts, latest space technology and adequate support to go ahead with the ILOA program, which is about to be launched very soon. A telescope on the Moon providing continuous scientific information about the heavens will undoubtedly be a great boon to all the scientists and astronomers in understanding the hidden secrets of our Universe.
I am sure you must be very proud to see that Hawaii in spite of being small, has undertaken to fulfill the dream of all scientists of having a telescope on the Moon. I congratulate you and your Government for encouraging, and supporting the ILOA program and in particular Dr. Steve Durst and his colleagues for their outstanding effort. I urge you and your Government to encourage and support ILOA and similar adventures which will make Hawaii the Astronomical Capital of the World.”
Prof. U.R. Rao
Former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation & Secretary,
Department of Space Antariksh Bhavan New BEL Road,
Bangalore, India, 560 231
"I have been involved with the International Lunar Observatory Association for nearly 9 years now. I am truly inspired and excited to be part of such a daring mission to further the boundaries of human exploration and knowledge through lunar astronomy and science. This results of this mission, and the education and outreach it will provide, will be a gift for humanity now and for generations to come."
Dr. Shawna Pandya, MD
Project PHEnOM, Astronauts4Hire, South Cooking Lake Aviation Academy
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
“The Moon is an ideal place for astronomy. The Moon surface provides a stable, pollution-free environment for telescopes. The other side of the Moon is always shielded from sunlight and radio waves from the earth.
Lunar observatory will be a big step for astronomy and will bring about many wonderful discoveries that will change our view of the universe. ILOA has been working for many years to realize the lunar observatory.
In addition, ILOA has organized an excellent outreach and education program, Galaxy Forum [for] over a decade. Galaxy Forums have provided very good opportunities to learn science as well as astronomy for the general public. I deeply respect [the] unflagging enthusiasm and great effort of ILOA.
Subaru Telescope and National Astronomical Observatory of Japan share the aspirations and philosophies of ILOA and sincerely support their activities.”
Dr. Michitoshi Yoshida
Director, Subaru Telescope
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan