California-based-Masten Space Systems has announced it has selected SpaceX to launch its Masten Mission One (MM1) in 2022.

SpaceX to launch Masten’s MM1 lander to lunar south pole

As part of MM1, Masten’s lunar lander will deliver nine NASA-sponsored science and technology demonstration experiments and several commercial payloads to the moon.

In what is Masten’s first mission to the Moon, the MM1 is a collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Project Office.

“Having SpaceX’s proven launch success behind us is not only great for us, but it’s great for our customers,” said Masten chief executive officer, Sean Mahoney. “We share a common vision with SpaceX and that makes this more than a partnership. It’s more like a dream team.”

The lander – aiming to touch down on the (resource-rich) lunar south pole – will carry a suite of NASA-sponsored scientific instruments and various payloads from its own commercial space customers.

“We are thrilled to be launching Masten’s Mission One to the Moon in 2022,” said SpaceX Senior Director of Commercial Sales Stephanie Bednarek. “SpaceX was founded upon the goal of extending humanity’s reach beyond Earth, and it’s exciting to take part in a mission with many partners who share the same vision.”