Moon Express: Startup Aims for 2017 Lunar Landing

The transcript discusses a private company's ambitious plan to land on the moon, becoming the first private entity to do so and the fourth superpower. It compares this mission to other space ventures by Elon Musk and Richard Branson, highlighting the unique achievement of leaving Earth's orbit. The mission aims to explore lunar minerals and establish a moon colony as a stepping stone to Mars. The company plans to send robots first, followed by humans in 10-15 years. The transcript also covers the challenges of obtaining government approval for such a mission.

What is the significance of creating a fuel depot on the moon according to the speaker?

Describe the process the speaker went through to obtain government approval for their plans.