Lunar Explorers Society

Lore & Background

The Lunar Explorers Society was founded against the backdrop of the last human Moon mission in 1972. Although no further human exploration occurred, robotic missions beginning in the 1990s renewed enthusiasm among lunar enthusiasts. The founding members saw the need for an organization where members could share knowledge, join forces, and pursue the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon for the benefit of all people on Earth.

The society's objectives include supporting a permanent human presence, promoting international cooperation among scientists through a neutral platform, raising awareness via educational outreach, and advocating peaceful and fair use of lunar resources. The International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) has supported the society since its inception.

The society presents the Young Lunar Explorers Award annually at the International Conference on the Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon (ICEUM). Winners include the Google Lunar X Prize Foundation (2008), the Lunar Explorers Society itself (2007), the SSETI Express team (2005), and the International Space University (2004).

Reader's Guide

The Lunar Explorers Society occupies a unique niche in the history of lunar advocacy. Founded at a time when human lunar exploration had been dormant for nearly three decades, it provided a structured platform for enthusiasts and scientists to collaborate. Its emphasis on international cooperation and peaceful resource use reflects a vision of lunar development that is inclusive and globally beneficial. The society's Young Lunar Explorers Award highlights its commitment to engaging younger generations, with notable early recipients including the Google Lunar X Prize Foundation and the International Space University. While the society itself is not a space agency, its role in maintaining momentum for lunar return—through conferences, education, and networking—has been significant. The support of the International Lunar Exploration Working Group underscores its credibility within the professional lunar science community. The society's founding by 156 participants at ICEUM4 demonstrates a grassroots origin that has since grown into an ongoing effort to inspire and coordinate lunar exploration advocates worldwide.

Did You Know?

• The last human mission to the Moon was in 1972, and no further human exploration has occurred since.
• The society presents the Young Lunar Explorers Award once per year at the annual ICEUM conference.
• The International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG) has supported the Lunar Explorers Society since its beginning.