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Google Lunar X PRIZE Roundup #35 October 28, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, Google Lunar X Prize Roundup , add a comment

The Google Lunar X PRIZE is a $30 million competition challenging private space enterprises to land a rover on the Moon. Each week, I round up all the latest developments as the teams rocket forwards and upwards…

After a pretty epic week last week, Oct. 19th-26th was a little milder; that’s only comparatively, though, as there was a great official post and plenty of news to go around!:

  • GLXP Guy Will Pomerantz posted a thorough update on where the GLXP stands and is going :)
  • Team FREDNET officially became a nonprofit!
  • Team Moon Express issued their official announcement press release! (Check out my in-depth feature on the team’s entry!)
  • Team Part Time Scientists tested a prototype of their rover on beach sand :)
  • Team Omega Envoy sat down for an Evadot podcast!
  • Team Astrobotic blogged about solar energy tracking!
  • Team SELENE featured a “stinger missile” rover design!
  • Team ARCA announced plans to create a series of documentaries on their effort!
  • Team Synergy Moon posted about the Ruđer Bošković Institute!

China’s Lead Lunar Scientist Speaks On China’s—and the Moon’s—Status October 28, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Asian Space Race, China , 1 comment so far

Recently, The Global Times posted an interview with China’s lead lunar scientist, Ouyang Ziyuan, that proves to be extremely interesting, both in terms of China’s current view and thoughts on the Moon in general.

The interview starts out asking about the reasoning behind China’s program at all:

“Strictly speaking, China is a developing country. Some people argue that rather than explore the moon, we should concentrate on dealing with problems on Earth. It is understandable.” -Ouyang Ziyuan, “China Has No Desire For New Space Race“, Global Times

Ziyuan goes on to detail the economic thinking:

“There are unimaginable abundant natural resources on the moon, such as rare earths, or uranium and titanium ores. The titanium ore reserve on the moon is the same size as the whole of China.

Although we are not able to exploit these resources due to the extremely high cost and technological limitations, as scientists, we have the responsibility to prove the existence of these resources and inform the people.

The moon has a very huge energy reserve. Japanese scientists recently came up with a design idea that if humanity could build a moon belt for solar power generation and transmitting energy back to the earth, human energy needs could be permanently satisfied.” -Ouyang Ziyuan

As fun as the idea of uranium mining on the Moon sounds, this is the first time I’ve seen the titanium reserves so prominently touted. Even if the current means to collect these resources isn’t feasible, once their amounts on the Moon are proven, then theoretically the financial motivation will develop to support lunar programs (like Ziyuan’s).

The Japanese solar idea Ziyuan refers to the Shimizu Corporation‘s recent proposal to build a “Luna Ring” to basically solve Earth’s energy needs with imported solar; check out their project site for a ton of graphics and information of how it could work.

What’s noticeably absent is any mention of helium-3 mining. Ziyuan himself provided a seminal quote on that back in 2006:

“We will provide the most reliable report on helium-3 to mankind. Whoever first conquers the moon will benefit first.” -Ouyang Ziyuan, “Race to the Moon for Nuclear Fuel“, Wired Magazine

While the resources he notes now are different, the importance he stresses on utilizing the Moon’s potential is the same.

In the new Global Times article, he makes a point I’m not sure I agree with:

“The world is witnessing the climax of the second round of lunar exploration.”

The second round, to me, is just getting started. Unless he considers the development of private enterprise a third round, in which case, the second (civic) age is turning.

“If China doesn’t explore the moon, we will have no say in international lunar exploration and can’t safeguard our proper rights and interests.”

Another interesting point: the idea that a nation not involved will have no control over the policies which could, in the end, greatly affect their power supply (and therefore economies). We’d like to think an international administration would be in place to govern things evenly, but even if the governing structure is balanced, the actual political influence may fall to the participants (and the biggest ones, at that).

He goes on to quote a stat on Apollo that’s pretty awesome:

“The contribution of the Apollo project of the US is amazing. According to one calculation, the input-output ratio is 1:14. It drove the development of high-tech worldwide and made the US a leader in the high-tech field for almost 20 years.”

I’d heard Apollo’s tech contribution touted, but a 1:14 output is tremendous! I didn’t find where the calculation comes from, and clearly (as Ziyuang does note) Apollo was much larger than anything under consideration now…but even a 1:2 output would be of value to a nation.

So, is this a new space race?

“I am strongly against seeing lunar exploration as a race. The second round of lunar exploration is quite different from the first one conducted by the US and the former Soviet Union, which was a struggle for hegemony in space.”

“Those who highlight China’s alleged ambitions for control may have different agendas and motivations.”

I find this an at least mild contradiction; such dramatic interest in lunar resources and protecting China’s influence there probably isn’t motivated solely by a desire for economic equality and sharing. Even if that was the motive, the idea that would last if one nation (China or otherwise) was within grasp of being in control is naive. The temptation to assert can—and will—be very powerful.

He describes China’s position vs. Japan and others, utilizing an interesting analogy:

“Japan has better equipment and India has the advantage over China in computer software.

In the final round of a marathon, several groups form. We could use this analogy to describe the current situation in the field of lunar exploration. The US and Russia belong to the leading group with the strongest strength.”

He states that China is in the second group, along with probe-launchers Europe, Japan, and India; with the rest of the nations preparing to lace up composing the third group.

His take on the U.S. program is a pragmatic, and shrewd, one:

“However, the US suffered great trauma from the financial crisis. Due to the slow economic recovery, the US couldn’t afford a huge lunar exploration plan with a total investment of $108 billion. But it is noticeable that although the US suspended the Constellation program, it didn’t give up rocket or spaceship research.”

And lastly, besides some essentially question-dodging on timetables for any landing and on int’l cooperation, he provides his take on India:

“India has always taken China as a competitor in this regard. It is determined to realize manned lunar exploration by 2020. We need to understand India. As a large country, it needs lunar exploration to spur technological development and invigorate the national spirit.”

Again, his quote about not desiring a race seems contradictory if China “needs to understand India”. It’s also a compliment to India, and an indication that they could truly prove a pivotal player.

What do you think of Ziyuan’s takes?

New Google Lunar X PRIZE Team: Moon Express! October 28, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, Google Lunar X PRIZE Team Profile, Moon Express, Odyssey Moon , 5comments

Moon Express is now officially a Google Lunar X PRIZE team!

Revealed last week through NASA’s awarding of Innovative Lunar Demonstration Data contracts, Moon Express enters the competition with surprising thump right off the bat.

Based out of San Francisco, CA, the team is headed by former Odyssey Moon CEO Dr. Bob Richards. Richards had resigned from Odyssey Moon—the first Google Lunar X PRIZE team—in late August:

“However, as reported by Parabolic Arc today, I have departed as CEO of Odyssey Moon.  After founding Odyssey Moon and taking it as far as I could as its chief executive, the rationale for investing my time and energy timed out and I have had to resign as CEO to pursue funded ventures.”- Dr. Bob Richards, “A Personal Odyssey” post on his ‘B-LOG‘

His reappearance on a new team—NASA funding in hand—just a month and a half later marks a fascinating twist in the GLXP story…

Odyssey Moon (as of today, 10/27/10) has never mentioned his departure on their official site, press release or otherwise. In that quote above from Dr. Richards’ blog, he states his reason for resigning Odyssey Moon is to pursue “funded ventures”. Clearly, his new venture is Moon Express…but is the “funded” part a contrast to Odyssey Moon?

Part of the relative funding question could be answered in the logo of Moon Express, as seen above: very, very American. Their website, as well, is very red, white, and blue. Why the clear U.S. emphasis?

NASA’s new ILDD contracts were only awarded to U.S.-based GLXP teams; Odyssey Moon, while in part American (as they asserted in the comments of my American GLXP Teams feature in February), are headquartered on The Isle of Man.

“The GLXP and NASA ILDD program are very exciting competitions that represent the knee in the curve of opportunity for the commercial lunar industry. The rising tide floats all boats.” -Dr. Bob Richards, “Moon Express” post on his ‘B-LOG‘

So, regardless of Odyssey Moon’s state of funding, Moon Express was able to catch that NASA ILDD funding tide…and Odyssey Moon, despite their previous standing at the forefront of the GLXP, was not. Was that due to their being HQ’ed outside the U.S.? Only time will tell if more details will come out about this shift.

A few more bits of note: The first Moon Express blog post, about their press release, is written by another (apparently) former Odyssey Moon employee [authorship of that post, at end]: Daven Maharaj. So, Dr. Richards has taken at least one Odyssey Mooner with him.

Also, on the official GLXP Teams listing, instead of being at the bottom of the chronological order (as new teams typically are), they are in at number 8. Number 9 is Advaeros, announced in 2008, so it appears Moon Express has potentially been an entity for a while now.

Is Moon Express, then, on the fast track to the forefront of the GLXP? It certainly appears so. They have serious experience, and serious NASA funding, already at their sails.

—

With teams like this and Rocket City Space Pioneers coming in so late with so much muscle power, and things getting so unexpectedly shaken up…it’s anyone’s prize. The GLXP has become more than just an important technical prize, and more than just a human story; it’s also become a heck of a good yarn! Perhaps beyond anyone’s expectations.

And we’re just getting started…as if it wasn’t already, this race could be one for the ages.

Google Lunar X PRIZE Roundup #34 October 23, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, Google Lunar X Prize Roundup , add a comment

The Google Lunar X PRIZE is a $30 million competition challenging private space enterprises to land a rover on the Moon. Each week, I round up all the latest developments as the teams rocket forwards and upwards…

Oct 12th-19th was a landmark week for the GLXP: NASA awarded a huge shot in the arm to six teams, including a previously unannounced one! All the details for a great week:

I’ve tinkered with the format a bit with this roundup: having enabled Apture on the site (highlight any text to learn more about it via a handy on-page search and awesomeness box), it greatly reduces the sometimes-crazy amount of linkage I’ve had on posts before.

A question for you: are links on every team name important, or is Apture and the linked news enough to get you info on them (and keep the posts readable)?

NASA Awards Innovative Lunar Demonstration Data (ILDD) Contracts! October 19, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, NASA, private space , 1 comment so far

NASA has offered six contracts under its new Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data (ILDD) program, all to Google Lunar X PRIZE competitors—including the new Moon Express team!

Each contract can be worth up to $10 million, coming from the total pool of $30.1 million.

The recipients:

NASA will essentially pay these companies for data they collect on how to operate a low-cost lunar mission. As the official Google Lunar X PRIZE site notes, each award starts as at least $10,000, and can grow as teams supply new data packages.

The idea behind this program (and others forwarded by the Obama administration) is to focus NASA on the development of the private space industry, which could therefore in turn help the American economy; all six recipients being based in the U.S. (See my feature from February on the American GLXP teams.)

Something to note is the total amount available: $30.1 million, which happens to be very close to the $30 million in prizes available from winning the X PRIZE itself. The GLXP funds are a $15-20 million (depending on completion date) main prize, a $5 million second prize, and $5 million in bonus prizes. So, the final funds these teams could have available from the ILDD could very well end up being more than they could get from the GLXP itself (all six can’t win the big bacon, after all).

So, not only are these six enterprises getting a potentially very nice boost, one of them could then (thanks in part to the boost itself) then go on to win the prize money…and bring it home to the good ol’ US of A. Seems like a pretty shrewd way for the U.S. government to support the industry many ways, with one move.

Regardless, this cements the long-term prospects of all involved (and gets the new Moon Express team, headed by former Odyssey Moon leader Bob Richards, off to a hot start). For an analysis of the teams’ standings, funding and otherwise, check out Evadot’s updated GLXP Scorecard :)

Google Lunar X PRIZE Roundup #33 October 14, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, Google Lunar X Prize Roundup , add a comment

An exciting week for Google Lunar X PRIZE coverage, with the annual Team Summit wrapping up and a ranking of the GLXP teams being published! Not to mention, announcements related to payload space on a mission and involvements with space tourism.

Here’s all the details for Oct. 5th-12th:

Google Lunar X PRIZE Roundup #32 October 6, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Google Lunar X Prize, Google Lunar X Prize Roundup , 1 comment so far

As World Space Week begins, it’s been a big week around the Google Lunar X PRIZE, with one team successfully launching a rocket, and most of the teams gathering at the annual GLXP summit.

Here’s all the neat details from Sept. 27th-Oct. 4th:

China Launches Chang’e-2 Lunar Orbiter; ‘Asian Space Race’ in Full Swing? October 2, 2010

Posted by Nick Azer in : Asian Space Race, Chang'e, Chang'e-2, China , 1 comment so far

China has launched their secondo lunar orbiter, the Chang’e-2!

Coming a year and a half after the end of the successful Chang’e-1 orbiter mission, China’s new orbiter adds muscle as the CNSA scouts future landing sites, including the Bay of Rainbows.

While similar to the Chang’e-1, this mission will be more “sophisticated“:

“We started assembling Chang’e 2 at the end of 2008. The equipment and payloads on the satellite are combination of the old, the renovated and the new. This has raised challenges for us to ensure all equipment reaches the same standard.”- Tai Ping, ‘Vice Chief Director Chang’e Satellite System’,”New Scientific Targets for Chang’e-2“, People’s Daily Online

Those landing sites the orbiter will be scouting are for the Chang’e-3 lander, set for touchdown in 2013. Also set for landing in 2013 is the Indian-Russian Chandrayaan-2, not to mention landers from the Google Lunar X PRIZE…it’ll be busy up there come the end of ’13! :)

This brings up an interesting assertion by the Wall Street Journal last week—that this is the throes of an “Asian Space Race”, with China, India and Japan beginning to duke it out.

The idea of a new, regional ‘race’ could be backed up by the recent announcement that India’s Chandrayaan-2 will have all Indian payloads, contrasted with its predecessor, which carried (very successful) international payloads.

Regardless, the Chinese program is rolling along nicely, and it should be fun to watch as the Chang’e-2 starts to deliver results and India’s Chandrayaan-2 warms up.

For a neat video from Chinese media on the mission, click here, and here’s video of the launch itself: