Google Lunar X PRIZE Roundup - February 25, 2009

Astrobotic Technology and Carnegie Mellon Researchers Show Small Robots Can Prepare Lunar Surface for NASA Outpost - Astrobotic Technology (David Gump) -

Small robots the size of riding mowers could prepare a safe landing site for NASA’s Moon outpost, according to a NASA-sponsored study prepared by Astrobotic Technology Inc. with technical assistance from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute.

Astrobotic Technology and Carnegie Mellon researchers analyzed mission requirements and developed the design for an innovative new type of small lunar robot under contract from NASA’s Lunar Surface Systems group.

A presentation by Red Whittaker is planned for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Programmatic Workshop on NASA Lunar Surface Systems Concepts, February 25-27, 2009 -

Agenda - Friday, February 27 (8 am - 12 pm)

Regolith Moving Methods, Astrobotic Technology, Inc.
Red Whittaker / Chris Skonieczny (Astrobotic Technology, Inc.)
Reference Material - Reference documents to be posted. ...

Astrobotic has what looks like the presentation here (PDF).

Western goes boldly into space - The Unversity of Western Ontario:

In a bold venture uniting scientists who study space with engineers who design space systems and robotics, The University of Western Ontario is launching the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) and the Canadian Lunar Research Network (CLRN).
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The opening event on Feb. 27 includes:
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7:00 p.m. - Keynote address: "Odyssey Moon - Preparing for Moon 2.0,” Bob Richards, Odyssey Moon 9 (private commercial lunar enterprise headquartered in the Isle of Man competing for Google Lunar X Prize.)