Support our Missions to the Moon

The International Lunar Observatory Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to expand our knowledge of the cosmos through observations from the Moon and to participate in internationally cooperative lunar base build-out with Aloha, the spirit of Hawai’i. 

Along with the goal to advance education through our Galaxy Forum program, the ILOA has a vested interest in ensuring Hawai’i’s position as a global leader in astronomy and space science, supported by a series of Moon missions. 

The ILOA ILO-X instruments landed on the Moon on February 22, 2024, via the Intuitive Machines IM-1 lander. ILO-X returned a total of 341 images: 16 high-resolution images and 322 thumbnails (many of which can be viewed here). 

The ILO-C wide-field optical payload is scheduled to launch in August 2026 to the rim of Shackleton Crater aboard China’s Chang’e-7 lander, landing in Nov/Dec 2026. This mission was made possible through agreements with the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, National Astronomical Observatories of China, Hong Kong University Laboratory for Space Research, and National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand. 

ILOA is contracted with Canadensys Aerospace for the development of ILO-1, our flagship mission for long-term astronomy and communications. ILO-1 will be mounted on the Astrolab FLEX rover’s lightbar and is expected to operate on the lunar surface for at least one year, beginning in 2028. 

Please consider supporting us to ensure the success of the ILO-1 mission and to help fulfill the vision of our Founding Director, Steve Durst, who tirelessly dedicated himself to this work. Our Board of Directors is committed to ILOA’s international, interglobal, and scientific goals. 

Use the PayPal button below to donate or contact us to donate without a transaction fee.

All donations are tax deductible.

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Testimonials

"I am ILOA's Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner, and support the efforts of astronomy from the Moon. This will help us further investigate the mysteries of deep space and gaining a better understanding of the universe around us. The ILOA mission is the first of its kind, and it is an international quest. Astronomy from the Moon will build a bridge between the galaxy and our planet as we know it."
James Kelii Pihana (Kimo)Hawai`i Kupuna and Cultural Practitioner
"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. A telescope on the Moon providing continuous scientific information about the heavens will undoubtedly be a great boon to all the scientists. I urge you and your Government to encourage and support ILOA and similar ventures which will make Hawaii the Astronomical Capital of the World."
Prof. U.R. RaoFormer Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation
"A 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 its lunar observatory and has organized an excellent outreach and education program, Galaxy Forum. Subaru Telescope and National Astronomical Observatory of Japan share the aspirations and philosophies of ILOA and sincerely support their activities."
Dr. Michitoshi YoshidaDirector, Subaru Telescope / National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
"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 Astronaut 002 at IIAS. Project PHEnOM, Astronauts4Hire, South Cooking Lake Aviation Academy
"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 OuyangAcademician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Chief Scientist of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (Chang'E program)
"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 HouResearch Center for Galaxies and Cosmology Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences
"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. 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 this organization coordinating a global initiative. We are proud to be counted among those supporting ILOA."
Dr. Christian SallabergerPresident & CEO Canadensys Aerospace Corporation
"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 Professor of Astrophysics, National Astronomical Observatories - Chinese Academy of Sciences (NAOC)
"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., PMPResearch Scientist University Alabama Huntsville
"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
"Since the early days of my tenure as Executive Director of the Canada‐France‐Hawaii Telescope, I have been a strong supporter of ILOA and its vision of humanity expanding to other worlds. 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."
Dr. Christian VeilletDirector, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
"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."
Dr. Doug SimonsDirector University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy (IfA)
"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 MartinDept. of Physics and Astronomy University of Hawai'i at Hilo

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