Moon will get a telescope and new robot visitors on its south pole in 2016
The moon controls the tide, the source of Norway’s hydro power.
Two private companies announced this week that they will launch a mission to the Moon's south pole.
The International Lunar Observatory Association (ILOA) and Moon Express, Inc. are teaming up to send a robot to the moon to erect a telescope.
The Lunar Observatory communications system will be placed on the moon to aid professional and amateur astronomers to make observations.
The companies will also be the first to explore the Moon's south pole in search of minerals and water.
More from GlobalPost: Neptune: New moon discovered using Hubble Space Telescope
It is believed that there may be an abundance of resources not yet uncovered in the region.
"The ILO will demonstrate the value of the Moon for scientific study of the Galaxy, Moon, Earth, Sun and Stars," said Steve Durst, founder and director of the ILOA and Space Age Publishing Company.
"We are a global consortium of scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and visionaries who seek to establish a scientific presence on the Moon followed by human exploration and eventual settlement."
The mission could take place as early as 2016.
More from GlobalPost: Habitable planet discovered circling Tau Ceti, a star close to Earth
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.