LONDON: Lunar Mission One aims to survey the Moon’s South Pole to see if a human base can be set up in the future.
The amount for this project will be collected from the public. £500m is expected to raise for the project from donations.
In return, donors would be able to have photos, text and their DNA included in a time capsule which will be buried under the lunar surface.
The plan has received the endorsement of a host of well-known scientists and organizations. These include Prof Brian Cox, the Astronomer Royal Lord Rees, and Prof Monica Grady of the Open University.
David Iron, who is leading the project, said he was setting up the initiative because governments were increasingly finding it difficult to fund space missions.
“Anyone in the world will be able to get involved for as little as just a few pounds. Lunar Mission One will make a huge contribution to our understanding of the origins of our planet and the Moon,” he said.