The space probe of the Israeli aerospace industry (IAI) is shown on July 10, 2018 during a press conference in Tel Aviv
On October 10, 2018, the Israeli organization behind the first lunar mission for the country announced the postponement of the launch date from December to the beginning of 2019. SpaceIL reported that the deadlines have shifted due to the transfer of dates in the company SpaceX Ilona Mask, providing missiles.
SpaceIL stressed that the delay was a decision of SpaceX, noting that testing on its ship, which weighs 585 kg, continues successfully. Initially, the ship was to go to the moon on February 13, 2019, where the mission was to include a study of the magnetic field and the establishment of the Israeli flag. SpaceIL does not name exact dates yet. The ambitious project began as part of Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered rewards of $ 30 million to motivate scientists and entrepreneurs to invent low-cost moon missions. The competition ended in March without a winner, but the Israel team decided to move on on their own. The vessel will transmit data to the control center two days before its systems turn off.
