Australia to help Trump reach the moon, and beyond

Australia will invest 101 million us dollar in its companies and technology to help U.S. President Donald Trump's bid for a moon landing by 2024 and subsequent U.S. missions to Mars, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday.

Morrison, visiting NASA headquarters in Washington, said the five-year investment plan would help businesses support U.S. automation systems which build equipment for space craft and play a role in mineral exploration. The announcement came after Morrison made a state visit to the White House on Friday, signaling Australia's strong ties with the United States after a period of tense relations with China.