Israeli Nonprofit Organization Launches Campaign on Indiegogo to Create the World’s Smallest Spacecraft

Aiming to land the first Israeli spacecraft on the moon, nonprofit organization and leading contestant in the prestigious Google Lunar X Prize (GLXP) competition SpaceIL launched its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo Tuesday afternoon. The campaign is designed to not only raise funds for the highly innovative lunar project, but also to engage as broad an audience possible with its mission to the moon.

The organization is seeking to raise $240,000, one dollar for each mile to the moon. The funds will complete their current round of funding, will be put towards fuel costs, which total up to $500,000. Any additional funds raised will help support SpaceIL’s core mission of creating Israeli “Apollo Effect,” inspiring the next generation to think differently about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

SpaceIL is building the world’s smallest spacecraft loaded with groundbreaking innovation in deep space exploration. The organization aims to show that space exploration is no longer limited to global superpowers with vast space programs, and that any group, small country or university can get involved and contribute to advancing scientific discovery. The organization also intend for their technological breakthroughs to spur a new wave of commercial space-related industries.

CEO of SpaceIL Eran Privman stated, “We’re excited to harness the power of Indiegogo platform to raise awareness and build involved with SpaceIL. We have great momentum and a lot of inspiration to share and hope as many people possible will come abroad and join our mission to the moon.”

SpaceIL is an Israel nonprofit organization that was founded in 2010 by three young engineers with the dream of landing the first Israeli spacecraft on the moon. Since being founded, the organization has scaled into a national movement comprised of nearly twenty full-time staff, over 250 volunteers, and a network of hundreds of renowned academics, business leaders and industry experts.

Since the campaign’s launch, it has raised $32,766 from 133 backers. Due to it being flexible funding, all proceeds will go towards the organization even if it fails to reach its ultimate goal.