About
Who We Are
The Moon Village Association (MVA) is a global non-governmental organization advancing international cooperation in Moon exploration and utilization.With over 600 participants from more than 65 countries, MVA connects governments, space agencies, industry, academia, and the public to promote sustainable lunar activities for the benefit of all humankind.
Founded in Vienna, Austria, in 2017, MVA serves as a permanent observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and proudly coordinates the UN-recognized International Moon Day.
MVA is unique in its mission to advance a global, cooperative, and sustainable presence on the Moon. No other organization in the world brings together such a broad spectrum of:
- actors—government, industry, academia, and civil society,
- topics— economics, governance, cultural, architecture, education, human physiology, lunar agriculture, developing countries and much more…
- MVA is a neutral platform for dialogue, foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders, and work to ensure that the Moon becomes a place of peaceful, inclusive, and cooperative exploration.
Our Vision: The Moon Village
The Moon Village is not a single structure or project, but a global community working together toward a shared goal: a sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful human presence on and around the Moon.
MVA turns the Moon Village vision into reality by:
- Providing a neutral, global platform for discussion and cooperation, so called track 2 activities
- Connecting space and non-space sectors
- Coordinating the Global Expert Group on Sustainable Lunar Activities (GEGSLA)
- Organizing and hosting International Moon Day, a global event celebrated annually to raise awareness and inspire participation in lunar activities
- Running MVA Working Groups, focused on key topics such as lunar governance, technology, science, industry, education, and culture
- Facilitating dialogue between space and non-space sectors
Why the Moon
The Moon has inspired humanity for millennia—a symbol of dreams, discovery, and our place in the cosmos.
In 1969, we turned that dream into reality with the first human footsteps on its surface. Back then, the race to the Moon was a competition between superpowers. Today, it has become a collaborative global mission, with nine countries already active on the lunar surface and more preparing to join.
Since the 1990s, we’ve discovered that the Moon holds:
- Water and rare earth elements
- Clues to the origins of our solar system
- Opportunities for scientific research and new industries
Falling launch costs and advances in technology have made lunar missions more achievable than ever. The Moon’s proximity and resources make it a vital stepping stone for future exploration beyond Earth — toward Mars and deeper into the solar system.
Exploring the Moon helps us:
- Advance science and technology here on Earth
- Develop new resources and industries
- Prepare for future missions to Mars and beyond
- Unite humanity through a shared, peaceful endeavor
As the Russian pioneer Konstantin Tsiolkovsky said, “Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever.”
Our DNA
- Neutral: No country or organization dominates the discussion
- Global: Open to all nations and disciplines
- Inclusive: Welcoming both scientific and cultural contributions
- Cooperative: Encouraging synergy, not duplication, among stakeholders
- Participative: Engaging the public in shaping the lunar future
- Independent: Supported by members and partners worldwide
Legal Framework
The Moon Village Association is registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Vienna, Austria. Our Statute is available here.
Join Us
Be part of the global community shaping the future of humanity beyond Earth.
Learn more about membership and participation opportunities here.