Sheldon Adelson Donates $16.4 Million for Israel to Reach the Moon

SpaceIL is an Israeli non-profit organization, founded in 2010, with the sole objective of landing an Israeli spacecraft on the moon. Founded by three engineers, the organization entered the Google Lunar X Prize (GLPX) competition, and have been focused on achieving their dream every since.

The organization currently supports 20 employees, over 250 volunteers, and boasts a network of hundreds of business leaders, officials, industry members, and academics, all in support of SpaceIL's ultimate goal.

One man in particular has put his efforts, and dollars, into achieving this goal as well: American business magnate, investor and philanthropist Sheldon Adelson.

Adelson has just announced that the Sheldon Adelson Family Foundation is contributing $16.4 million to the Israel Lunar Project, nearly half of SpaceIL's budget for the spacecraft, $36 million.

With Adelson's contribution, SpaceIL's dream of building the world's smallest aircraft comes that much closer to fruition. But this is only the beginning; they hope for the Israel Lunar Project to lead to a new industry of space-related technologies in Israel.

“Sheldon and I are very excited to be supporting SpaceIL in an effort to land the first Israeli spacecraft on the Moon," said Dr. Miriam Adelson, Sheldon's wife. "As an Israeli-born physician and scientist, I am especially proud of the positive impact the pursuit of this goal will have on the next generation of young Israelis, and frankly all young people, as it serves an important example of the role science and technology continue to play in our everyday lives and across the world.”

Chairman of the SpaceIL Public Board, Yanki Margalit, added that “We will be able to significantly expand our impact and create the first blue and white moment of the 21st century.”

Looking forward to it.