Envisioning an observatory on the Moon (video)
ILO-1 payload on the Astrolab FLEX rover’s lightbar
ILO-1 is a long-duration lunar observatory designed to operate for at least one year and survive the extreme lunar night.
We contracted Canadensys Aerospace to develop its rugged optical imaging instrument suite and pan-tilt unit. Once deployed, ILO-1 will capture high-resolution imagery of the Milky Way galaxy center, the celestial sky, and the lunar surface, while establishing long-term data communications between Earth and the Moon.
Under our agreement with Venturi Astrolab, the ILO-1 payload is scheduled for delivery on the FLEX rover no earlier than (NET) 2028.
The mission builds upon decades of planning and international collaboration, starting with initial conceptual designs in 2003, the formal founding of ILOA in 2007, and the successful 2024 landing of our technology precursor, ILO-X.
Mission Updates and News:
ILO Studies:
- Advantages of Astronomy from the Moon
CANADENSYS AEROSPACE STUDIES FOR ILOA: - 2017-2019, ILO-1 Lunar Optics Program
- 2016-2017, ILO-1 Lunar Electronics Program
- 2015, ILO-1 Site Characterization and Payload Advancement
- 2014, Canadensys ILO-1 Lander Options Analysis
GOLDEN SPIKE COMPANY: - 2012-2019, Human Lunar Lander Mission Collaboration
MOON EXPRESS STUDIES FOR ILOA: - 2016-2019, ILO-1 Safe and Precise Lunar Landing Studies
- 2012-2013, ILO-X Rapid Development Program Phase 3
- 2011-2012, ILO-X Rapid Development Program Phase 2
- 2010-2011, ILO-X Rapid Development Program Phase 1
MDA STUDIES FOR ILOA: - 2009-10, ILO Payload Definition Program
- 2008, ILO Precursor Mission Pre-Phase A Study
ODYSSEY MOON STUDIES FOR ILOA: - 2007-2010, ILO Malapert Mountain and ILO-X precursor studies
SPACEDEV STUDIES FOR ILOA: - 2008, Phase 6, ILO Payload Definition Program
- 2007, Phase 5, ILO Lunar Lander Demonstrator
- 2006, Phase 4, Human Service Mission to the ILOs, 2010-2015: Lunar Rover and Flyby
- 2005, Phase 3, Human Service Mission to the ILOs, 2010-2015
- 2004, Phase 2, ILO: Safe and Precision Landing
- 2003, Phase 1, General Feasibility Study on the Lunar Dish Observatory
Studies not linked here may be available upon request. Please contact us.