UAE firms urged to sign up for delivery service to the moon

Ambitious project aims to see 1,000 people living on the satellite by 2040

ispace is planning to launch the first stage of its delivery service to the moon by 2020.

UAE firms are being asked to invest in a project that aims to see 1,000 people living on the moon by the year 2040.

Japanese company ispace is looking for partners in the programme, the first phase of which will see the setting up of a regular cargo service to the satellite.

Aaron Sorenson, a spokesman for the firm, said the UAE’s interest in space exploration made it an ideal location to seek out new investors.

He said the company’s ambitious plan was to create a fully inhabitable structure on the moon’s surface within 20 years. He said the site would also be able to accommodate up to 10,000 visitors each year.

“This is an enormous opportunity to take part in history and we want UAE companies to be part of the mission,” Mr Sorenson said.

“To do this it’s going to be necessary for us to get up to the moon soon and often to set up the required infrastructure. We are essentially starting a delivery service to the moon.”

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Mr Sorenson acknowledged that a vast amount of work was required in order to make the moon habitable.

But he insisted the opportunities for businesses were clear. Construction, healthcare and transport sectors all stood to become beneficiaries, he said.

Japanese telecom giant KDDI, construction firm Shimizu Corp, as well as Japan Airlines and Suzuki Automobiles are already on board with the project.

“The human race is going to have to move into space and the moon is the most attractive starting place because of its proximity to Earth,” he said.

ispace was taking part in Gitex Technology Week in Dubai’s World Trade Centre.

The company already has strong links with the region after it was named as one of the top 10 companies at the World Government Summit, an annual event held in Dubai which brings together world leaders.