Addressing sustainability on the Moon and back home on Earth. 

An Aussie-led mission, which could shape scientific discoveries, has received authorisation from the Australian Government to make its journey to the Moon.

The mission, the Australian Lunar Experiment Promoting Horticulture (ALEPH-1), is a biological experiment that will test the survivability and growth of plants in space and on the lunar surface (within a capsule).

ALEPH-1 received funding through the Australian Space Agency's Moon to Mars initiative (Demonstrator Mission program), and is led by Australian start-up Lunaria One, which comprises of research institutions, non-profits, and industry partners. 

The overseas payload permit granted today is the first authorisation by the Australian Government for a lunar payload under the Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018. 

The authorisation will see ALEPH-1 make its journey to the Moon aboard Intuitive Machines' third lunar mission next year.

The Lunaria One payload will demonstrate how plants can survive the journey to the Moon and endure lunar surface conditions, while testing systems for supporting and monitoring plant growth in extreme environments. The mission's insights aim to drive advancements for space and Earth-based applications.

With regulatory approval in place, the ALEPH-1 payload is now progressing through final qualification testing, led by RMIT University, Lunaria One’s primary technical partner. 

Payload integration with Intuitive Machines in the United States is planned for early next year, following completion of the remaining test programme, ahead of a lunar launch expected later in the year.

“This approval marks an important transition point for the project. As final testing is being completed, our focus is on ensuring the payload is ready for integration and the journey ahead.”

~ Lauren Fell, Director of Lunaria One

A view of Australia from space

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Australia is dedicated to being a responsible global citizen, ensuring safe and secure operations both in space and on Earth.

More details

Image of ALEPH-1 was supplied by Lunaria One. 

This photo was taken at RMIT University, where the Aussie lunar payload was designed and assembled. 

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