Luxembourg royalty visited Redmond on Monday as Crown Prince Guillaume, his wife Crown Princess Stephanie and Deputy Prime Minister Etienne Schneider toured the Planetary Resources Inc. facilities at 6742 185th Ave. N.E.
The asteroid mining company last November finalized a 25 million euro agreement that includes direct capital investment of 12 million euros and grants of 13 million euros from the government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the banking institution Société Nationale de Crédit et d’Investissement (SNCI).
According to a Planetary Resources representative, the visitors and company officials discussed the company’s mission, which includes a plan to launch the first commercial asteroid prospecting mission by 2020.
“We are excited that the Grand Duchy is a partner and investor. Just as the country’s vision and initiative propelled the satellite communications industry through its public-private partnerships, their funding and support of Planetary Resources advances and builds upon our substantial accomplishments,” said Chris Lewicki, president and CEO of Planetary Resources, Inc.
In addition to visiting Redmond, the Luxembourg royals attended other events, including one in Seattle, that focused on the partnership as well. In all, there were more than 30 Luxembourg visitors, including government officials and private industry members.
“The exciting field of space technology could enable many more partnerships and economic success stories between Luxembourg and Seattle,” Prince Guillaume told a VIP gathering at the Space Needle, according to a GeekWire article.
The company is establishing a European headquarters in Luxembourg that will conduct key research and development activities in support of its commercial asteroid prospecting capabilities, as well as support international business activities.
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