NASA says it will pay private companies to gather Moon rocks

Enlarge / A total lunar eclipse begins in 2010. (credit: NASA)

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced Thursday that the space agency will seek to purchase between 50 and 500 grams of lunar regolith from one or more commercial providers.

In its newly issued "request for quotations," NASA is asking private companies to submit bids for the work. As part of the competitive process, NASA may select one or more companies but will only pay the bulk of the contract price-80 percent-upon delivery of the materials.

NASA has made one important concession as part of its contract, allowing that "delivery" of the materials may take place on the Moon.

Read 7 remaining paragraphs | Comments