Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa will pay for your trip around the moon.
The CEO of fashion retailer Zozo is seeking eight people to fly with him to the moon aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX flight in 2023. It will be the first civilian lunar trip. This week, Maezawa opened applications for the rare opportunity, which he calls “dearMoon.” He said in an announcement video that people “from all kinds of backgrounds” are encouraged to apply.
“I will pay for the entire journey. I have bought all the seats, so it will be a private ride,” he said. “I hope that together, we can make it a fun trip.”
There are two key criteria to apply for the trip, Maezawa specified.
First, he said that “whatever activity you are into, by going to space, I hope that you can push its envelope, to help other people.” He also said that he is looking for people who “could do something that’s even better, even bigger” than what they are doing on Earth.
The second criterion is being willing and able to support other crew members. Other details were not disclosed.
According to the dearMoon website, pre-registration closes March 14, with initial screenings by March 21. The final interview and medical checkup is expected to occur by May of this year.
Click here to sign up.
“Starship,” is currently in development. Earlier this month, an unpiloted test flight of the rocket ended with a spectacular explosion when the rocket failed to right itself and slow down enough for its landing. However, Maezawa said he trusts Musk and SpaceX.