Japanese billionaire revealed as SpaceX's first private passenger to the moon

Yusaku Maezawa.
(Image credit: AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

SpaceX announced Monday night that Yusaku Maezawa, a billionaire from Japan, will be the first private passenger to take a trip around the moon aboard the company's BFR rocket.

The 387-foot rocket is still being developed, but will be reusable with its own passenger ship, The Associated Press reports. Maezawa, a 42-year-old entrepreneur, told reporters his lifelong dream has been to go to space, and when he goes on the weeklong journey, he'll bring along six to eight creative people.

Maezawa also revealed that his trip is expected to take place in 2023. It's been more than 45 years since a person has been on the moon.

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