Now that the 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge is over, Unreasonable Rocket has a rough plan for what they need to do in the next year to be ready for the 2008 Lunar Lander Challenge. I like that many of the goals are near-term. It's best not to fill up the year's schedule, since surprises and delays are bound to happen along the way.
Some of the "Unreasonable" plans seem to be based on lessons learned not only during this year's development, but also at this year's X PRIZE Cup. What we see at this type of public event is that every team is able to learn from the others, during development if the teams are open (as they often are in these Challenges), and, if nothing else, during the actual competitions. Even if the prize isn't won in a competition event, the industry moves forward with lessons learned. The sponsor's goals are more likely to ultimately be reached because of this.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Looking Back at the 2007 Space Elevator Games
Here's more looking back ... this time to the Space Elevator Games.
LaserMotive is back from Utah, and recovering. They had some problems that sound more operational than involving their design or implementation of the climber. That's part of what makes a challenge like this so nail-biting.
Here are some posts by the Space Elevator Blog:
Kansas City Space Pirates tuning their mirrors - with a video
KC Space Pirates Wrap It Up - retrospective look at the games by the KC Space Pirates. This one also looks ahead at what we might see in the next Games ... but of course there will be surprises ...
Marc Boucher Appears on the Space Show - head of the Space Elevator Reference
Speaking of the Space Elevator Reference, there's a recent post there looking back at the Games, too:
Update on LaserMotive Efforts at the Spaceward Games - covers some of the operational difficulties that LaserMotive encountered
LaserMotive is back from Utah, and recovering. They had some problems that sound more operational than involving their design or implementation of the climber. That's part of what makes a challenge like this so nail-biting.
Here are some posts by the Space Elevator Blog:
Kansas City Space Pirates tuning their mirrors - with a video
KC Space Pirates Wrap It Up - retrospective look at the games by the KC Space Pirates. This one also looks ahead at what we might see in the next Games ... but of course there will be surprises ...
Marc Boucher Appears on the Space Show - head of the Space Elevator Reference
Speaking of the Space Elevator Reference, there's a recent post there looking back at the Games, too:
Update on LaserMotive Efforts at the Spaceward Games - covers some of the operational difficulties that LaserMotive encountered
Looking Back at the 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge
RLV News points to some articles that look back at what happened, good and bad, at the 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge:
2007 Cup and NGLLC Recap - The X PRIZE Foundation's William Pomerantz reviews each of Armadillo's attempts at the 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge, highlighting the impressive accomplishments and bitter disappointments of the attemps.
We Failed - Armadillo's John Carmack doesn't put any spin in that title. He reviews the recent preparations for the X PRIZE Cup, and notes that the FAA AST folks were working hard to make sure the event happened in a safe manner:
the people we are working with very much want to see us succeed. We noticed that we were trading permit related email with them on nights and weekends, which isn’t the normal image of a clock-punching federal employee.
They did have some difficulties to overcome with AST requirements, as John relates. There were also difficulties with backup parts. This type of work obviously involves a lot of supplier interactions. Facilities at Holloman Air Force Base were good. Unreasonable Rocket pitched in with some parts help during the competition. Now that it's all over, they have a number of paths and changes to investigate ... after a breather.
X PRIZE Cup 2007 media - lots of videos and photos of the event from Armadillo
2007 Cup and NGLLC Recap - The X PRIZE Foundation's William Pomerantz reviews each of Armadillo's attempts at the 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge, highlighting the impressive accomplishments and bitter disappointments of the attemps.
We Failed - Armadillo's John Carmack doesn't put any spin in that title. He reviews the recent preparations for the X PRIZE Cup, and notes that the FAA AST folks were working hard to make sure the event happened in a safe manner:
the people we are working with very much want to see us succeed. We noticed that we were trading permit related email with them on nights and weekends, which isn’t the normal image of a clock-punching federal employee.
They did have some difficulties to overcome with AST requirements, as John relates. There were also difficulties with backup parts. This type of work obviously involves a lot of supplier interactions. Facilities at Holloman Air Force Base were good. Unreasonable Rocket pitched in with some parts help during the competition. Now that it's all over, they have a number of paths and changes to investigate ... after a breather.
X PRIZE Cup 2007 media - lots of videos and photos of the event from Armadillo
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
DARPA Urban Challenge In Progress
As with the Space Elevator Games and Lunar Lander Challenge, I'm not able to do justice to the DARPA Urban Challenge - there's too much going on here while all these big prize events take place. I have a huge stack of Urban Challenge links I'll probably never get a chance to sort through. Fortunately, this one is also being covered in great detail. Cosmic Log points to the DARPA Urban Challenge coverage by Michael Belfiore for Wired Danger Room. You might want to start with his preview article. The latest news is that 6 teams have been eliminated during the National Qualification Event. More will be cut before the finals on November 3.
Michael explains the most important rule of the game (after all these are supposed to be logistics vehicles, not RoboCop tanks):
DARPA director Tony Tether outlined the basic rules for competing teams in a briefing last night, concluding with the most important rule of all: "Don't hit anyone!!!"
That's with three exclamation points, in about a 10,000-point font size, just so no one would miss it.
Yes, the exclamation points about about 4 feet tall.
tgdaily is also covering the event with a lot of posts, videos, and slide shows.
Michael explains the most important rule of the game (after all these are supposed to be logistics vehicles, not RoboCop tanks):
DARPA director Tony Tether outlined the basic rules for competing teams in a briefing last night, concluding with the most important rule of all: "Don't hit anyone!!!"
That's with three exclamation points, in about a 10,000-point font size, just so no one would miss it.
Yes, the exclamation points about about 4 feet tall.
tgdaily is also covering the event with a lot of posts, videos, and slide shows.
X PRIZE Cup Results - Lunar Lander Challenge and Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award
Well, after being away for a few days, I'm back at the computer, catching up on what happened at the X PRIZE Cup.
For the Lunar Lander Challenge, unfortunately, Armadillo wasn't able to win any prize money this year. On the bright side, that just gives all of the teams more shots next year. From the point of view of prize sponsors (in this case NASA), it gives even more benefit as more teams work on the problem over the next year, and the sponsor gets to observe the competitors try different approaches.
In fact, so many teams are already trying that I wonder if a 3rd, easier (with correspondingly smaller cash rewards) category of Lunar Lander Challenge prize might make sense? Such an easier prize could involve a shorter flight, no translation, or even tethered operations. Maybe a winner of the more difficult levels wouldn't be eligible to also win the easier level. This might get more competitors in the real competitions to make an even better spectator event.
I'm so far behind in covering the X PRIZE Cup events that I'm not even going to try to catch up. You can find the information you want, in many cases from people who were there, from the sites I recently mentioned at the beginning of this post. Another site that covered the events in detail is Cosmic Log. You can also see a photo gallery including vehicle pictures from several of the Lunar Lander Challenge competitors at CNet News.
Another Space Prize competition that was held at the X PRIZE Cup was the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award. You can learn about the innovative space business ideas that won the competition awards in this press release from the X PRIZE Foundation. You can also read an interview with one of the finalists in Smart Girls Rock. I didn't realize this prize is also sponsored by NASA, and specifically the Innovative Partnerships Program that includes Centennial Challenges. You can see the prize mentioned on the IPP events page:
Our newest competition, the "Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award" combines our unique Wirefly X PRIZE Cup event, the excitement of manned space exploration, and the unbounded ideas of youth to produce an educational experience like none before it. The award creates a new level of excitement and dynamic participation in all fields of science and technology. It also provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect the most innovative students directly with the cutting edge of space exploration.
For the Lunar Lander Challenge, unfortunately, Armadillo wasn't able to win any prize money this year. On the bright side, that just gives all of the teams more shots next year. From the point of view of prize sponsors (in this case NASA), it gives even more benefit as more teams work on the problem over the next year, and the sponsor gets to observe the competitors try different approaches.
In fact, so many teams are already trying that I wonder if a 3rd, easier (with correspondingly smaller cash rewards) category of Lunar Lander Challenge prize might make sense? Such an easier prize could involve a shorter flight, no translation, or even tethered operations. Maybe a winner of the more difficult levels wouldn't be eligible to also win the easier level. This might get more competitors in the real competitions to make an even better spectator event.
I'm so far behind in covering the X PRIZE Cup events that I'm not even going to try to catch up. You can find the information you want, in many cases from people who were there, from the sites I recently mentioned at the beginning of this post. Another site that covered the events in detail is Cosmic Log. You can also see a photo gallery including vehicle pictures from several of the Lunar Lander Challenge competitors at CNet News.
Another Space Prize competition that was held at the X PRIZE Cup was the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award. You can learn about the innovative space business ideas that won the competition awards in this press release from the X PRIZE Foundation. You can also read an interview with one of the finalists in Smart Girls Rock. I didn't realize this prize is also sponsored by NASA, and specifically the Innovative Partnerships Program that includes Centennial Challenges. You can see the prize mentioned on the IPP events page:
Our newest competition, the "Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award" combines our unique Wirefly X PRIZE Cup event, the excitement of manned space exploration, and the unbounded ideas of youth to produce an educational experience like none before it. The award creates a new level of excitement and dynamic participation in all fields of science and technology. It also provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect the most innovative students directly with the cutting edge of space exploration.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
X PRIZE Cup and Lunar Lander Challenge About to Begin!
There's no way I can keep up with all of the activities surrounding the X PRIZE Cup. I'm already way behind with all of the news, even if I just concentrate on prizes. You should be able to get great updates and links to more updates from Space.com's X PRIZE Cup site, RLV News, Personal Spaceflight, Transterrestrial Musings, and Leonard David at LiveScience.
Also check the X PRIZE Cup site (see the new Rocket Racing League logo/link!) and the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge site.
Here are some brief updates the morning before the X PRIZE Cup.
Lunar Lander Challenge Plans - Personal Spaceflight - Armadillo's schedule, and representatives from other LLC teams
X PRIZE Cup Media Day Photos - Personal Spaceflight - Get a sneak previous of what some of the displays and vehicles look like.
Wired Blog on X PRIZE Cup - It's already full of posts and pictures from the events so far - a half dozen posts yesterday. The link is from RLV News.
The X PRIZE Foundation's William Pomerantz posts on the details of the Lunar Lander Challenge rules, and why they were made the way they were.
X PRIZE Cup Media Day Posting - RLV News - gives lots of links related to the upcoming X PRIZE Cup, the Rocket Racing League, and a Diamandis interview
X PRIZE Cup Press Conference - Part 1 - RLV News - this featured a lot of the players in the Lunar Lander Challenge, including a Northrop Grumman (sponsor) representative, Will Pomerantz from the X PRIZE Foundation Space area, and representatives from Armadillo, SpeedUp, Masten Space, and Unreasonable Rocket.
Also check the X PRIZE Cup site (see the new Rocket Racing League logo/link!) and the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge site.
Here are some brief updates the morning before the X PRIZE Cup.
Lunar Lander Challenge Plans - Personal Spaceflight - Armadillo's schedule, and representatives from other LLC teams
X PRIZE Cup Media Day Photos - Personal Spaceflight - Get a sneak previous of what some of the displays and vehicles look like.
Wired Blog on X PRIZE Cup - It's already full of posts and pictures from the events so far - a half dozen posts yesterday. The link is from RLV News.
The X PRIZE Foundation's William Pomerantz posts on the details of the Lunar Lander Challenge rules, and why they were made the way they were.
X PRIZE Cup Media Day Posting - RLV News - gives lots of links related to the upcoming X PRIZE Cup, the Rocket Racing League, and a Diamandis interview
X PRIZE Cup Press Conference - Part 1 - RLV News - this featured a lot of the players in the Lunar Lander Challenge, including a Northrop Grumman (sponsor) representative, Will Pomerantz from the X PRIZE Foundation Space area, and representatives from Armadillo, SpeedUp, Masten Space, and Unreasonable Rocket.
Tom Vander Ark Asks "Why Prizes"?
In an X PRIZE Foundation blog entry, Tom Vander Ark asks "why use prizes"? He also asks "when are prizes useful"? Of course he answers the questions, too. The short answer to the first question is
There are three primary benefits of well constructed prizes and media savvy global competitions; they are a high leverage and efficient investment, a powerful innovation strategy, and an effective change strategy.
He expands in detail on all 3 points. He also gives a detailed answer to the second question using various example prizes covered on this blog to make his points.
One interesting bit of information about the Google Lunar X PRIZE is used:
A prize attracts teams from around the world, across boundaries (e.g., more than 260 Google Lunar X PRIZE registration requests for GLXP from 35 countries).
There are three primary benefits of well constructed prizes and media savvy global competitions; they are a high leverage and efficient investment, a powerful innovation strategy, and an effective change strategy.
He expands in detail on all 3 points. He also gives a detailed answer to the second question using various example prizes covered on this blog to make his points.
One interesting bit of information about the Google Lunar X PRIZE is used:
A prize attracts teams from around the world, across boundaries (e.g., more than 260 Google Lunar X PRIZE registration requests for GLXP from 35 countries).
Bigelow Offers Incentives for Crew Launch
New Scientist reports that Bigelow Aerospace plans a $760M contract for 8 crew launches that meet specific criteria. They need crew launch capability to support the inflatable space stations they plan. Bigelow already offers an incentive for development of crew launch: $50M for America's Space Prize. However, it doesn't look like anyone is about to win that prize, which has some very high hurdles - no government funding (use of government test and launch sites is allowed), significant reusability, significant crew size, and so on - and needs to be won in January 10, 2010.
What isn't clear (at least to me) is what will happen with America's Space Prize when this contract is issued. Will America's Space Prize be extended, or modified in some way, but still be present as an additional incentive (to the contract winner or other competitors)? Will the $760M contract have similar rules to the prize, or will launchers like SpaceX's Falcon 9 or EELVs, which get government funding, be allowed? Will government funding be allowed, as long as there is no government ownership of the company? Will it be a U.S. contract (America's Space Prize requires that the contestant live and work in the U.S.)? Will reusability be a requirement? It would be interesting to see the prize continue (perhaps in modified form), since even if the $760M contract works, Bigelow should want a backup!
There's more on this in posts and comments at Transterrestrial Musings, Personal Spaceflight, and RLV News.
What isn't clear (at least to me) is what will happen with America's Space Prize when this contract is issued. Will America's Space Prize be extended, or modified in some way, but still be present as an additional incentive (to the contract winner or other competitors)? Will the $760M contract have similar rules to the prize, or will launchers like SpaceX's Falcon 9 or EELVs, which get government funding, be allowed? Will government funding be allowed, as long as there is no government ownership of the company? Will it be a U.S. contract (America's Space Prize requires that the contestant live and work in the U.S.)? Will reusability be a requirement? It would be interesting to see the prize continue (perhaps in modified form), since even if the $760M contract works, Bigelow should want a backup!
There's more on this in posts and comments at Transterrestrial Musings, Personal Spaceflight, and RLV News.
Friday, October 26, 2007
After the Space Elevator Games
After the 2007 Space Elevator Games, the Space Elevator Blog has a Thank You for the many readers of the site during the Games.
Meanwhile, USST has a parting photo, apparently right before they left Utah. They also have a number of news posts covering the time all the way up to their arrival back home.
Meanwhile, USST has a parting photo, apparently right before they left Utah. They also have a number of news posts covering the time all the way up to their arrival back home.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
MicroSpace News
Lunar Lander Challenge competitor MicroSpace has filed a letter of intent to go for the Google Lunar X PRIZE. From the news release:
Our "Human Lunar Lander", with its split tank grouping, makes it easy to load a "Rover" unit, and we intend to display this as a full scale system at the 2007 "X PRIZE Cup" event. We also have in operation, and will display, an innovative Lunar Rover for this use.
...
Micro-Space continues to be a participant in the "Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Competition". Although we have made considerable progress with our Lander’s subsystems, we have not been able to focus as intensely as we had hoped on this project and we will not receive a FAA Launch License in 2007.
Our "Human Lunar Lander", with its split tank grouping, makes it easy to load a "Rover" unit, and we intend to display this as a full scale system at the 2007 "X PRIZE Cup" event. We also have in operation, and will display, an innovative Lunar Rover for this use.
...
Micro-Space continues to be a participant in the "Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Competition". Although we have made considerable progress with our Lander’s subsystems, we have not been able to focus as intensely as we had hoped on this project and we will not receive a FAA Launch License in 2007.
Unreasonable Rocket to the X PRIZE Cup
Unreasonable Rocket has several recent posts:
Unreasonable Ideas - a new site for posts not related to the rocket
Sand Diego fires - part of the news you've probably been seeing on TV if you're not in the area
Long night we are ok - the fire situation is looking better for them
Good Luck to Armadillo - they are off to the X PRIZE Cup Wednesday
Unreasonable Ideas - a new site for posts not related to the rocket
Sand Diego fires - part of the news you've probably been seeing on TV if you're not in the area
Long night we are ok - the fire situation is looking better for them
Good Luck to Armadillo - they are off to the X PRIZE Cup Wednesday
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Registration Open for 2008 Great Moonbuggy Race
The Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium announces that it's time for competitors to register for the 2008 NASA Great Moonbuggy Race. This race is in its 15th year. It features human powered "Moonbuggies." (I don't know if that's how you spell the plural, but I like it that way). There are high school and college level competitions. I have more links on last year's Moonbuggy Race here.
Would it make sense to hold some kind of "lunar" human-powered or robotic race like this in conjunction with another space event like next year's X PRIZE Cup?
Would it make sense to hold some kind of "lunar" human-powered or robotic race like this in conjunction with another space event like next year's X PRIZE Cup?
X PRIZE Cup posting starts
Check RLV News for a number of sources that can be expect to have good X PRIZE Cup and Lunar Lander Challenge coverage. Also check this overview from the X PRIZE Foundation.
Update: The posting is now in full swing. Unfortunately for me, as with the Space Elevator Games I won't be doing any on-the-spot posts. Alas, I'm working this week, and it's debatable whether I'll even have access to the computer this weekend. I'll see what I can do from afar while I can, though.
As with the main Space Elevator Games posters, RLV News is posting faster than I can keep up. Here's today's batch; check the link in the previous sentence to get the latest.
ISPS Introductory Comments - Peter Diamandis gives an introductory talk. This post also includes links to a a detailed overview of the X PRIZE Cup from Space.com that includes all sorts of details on what you'll see there, and other important information like maps and advise to wear sunscreen. The Las Cruces Sun also has a Spaceport section that's probably a good place to check on New Mexico Spaceport news, and that has an article on spaceport discussions at the ISPS.
ISPS Plenary Session - Valin Thorn reviews NASA's COTS program, Elon Musk covers "Why to invest in space", astronaut John Herrington discusses Rocketplane, and Alex Tai presents Virgin Galactic.
ISPS Track 1: Session 1 - progress in Vehicle Systems
ISPS Track 1: Session 2 - Synergy Between Government and Personal Spaceflight
ISPS Track 2: Session 1 - Developing Space Tourism - Since this is the Space Prizes blog I should mention that the panelists included Ansari X PRIZE sponsor Anousheh Ansari.
ISPS Track2: Session 2 - Interviews with Space Tourists by The Space Show host Dr. David Livingston - One question was To the future tourists, would you help fund grants for students to go? Anousheh Ansari's answer was that Her philanthropy [is] aimed at more longer term benefits than a single spaceflight.
I'm not sure if this is the kind of thing she has in mind, but here's an example of her fundraising efforts. The University of North Texas recently held a fundraiser at the Frontiers of Flight museum. The fundraiser was called Discover the Power of Ideas 2007: Privatization of Space. Proceeds of the event, with a presentation by Ansari, went to fund scholarships for the school. Ansari is also expected at the X PRIZE Cup, World Space Expo, and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space SpaceVision 2007 conference.
ISPS Session 3: Track 1 - Marketing the "New Space" Business
In addition to the big Space.com article mentioned above, Leonard David has a couple of shorter LiveScience blog posts on the New Mexico events:
X PRIZE Cup Lead Sponsor EX'd Out - Wirefly is reducing its sponsorship of the X PRIZE Cup. It's not clear how much the reduction is, whether or not the X PRIZE Cup title is changed, and when this happened (right before the Cup, or a while ago?). Didn't enough people by phone plans? Folks, you've got to make the sponsors happy! Anyway, Wirefly has an X PRIZE Cup blog, and it still says "Wirefly X PRIZE Cup", but the last update was September 20.
Lunar Lander Team Challenge: Armadillo to Fly Solo - Oh, well, I was hoping there would be a multi-competitor competition this year, but this challenge is difficult. That's why the winners get so much money, and why the challenge needed a prize in the first place. This also means that the other teams should be looking ahead to next year.
Transterrestrial Musings posts on the single competitor, too.
Cosmic Log has a thorough post on the recent Space Elevator Games and the upcoming Lunar Lander Challenge. It also presents a backdrop of other prizes like the DARPA Urban Challenge and the other Centennial Challenges.
Don't forget that NASA is funding the Lunar Lander Challenge prize money. They should be congratulated for sponsoring this easy-on-the-taxpayer and good-to-commercial-space competition.
The Google Earth Blogger is flying to the competition. There won't be any air photos of the X PRIZE Cup this time, though (it being at an Air Force Base and all). The post includes some good Google Earth links related to the X PRIZE Cup, as well as other New Mexico links of interest.
Personal Spaceflight posts on arriving for the ISPS and X PRIZE Cup and Rocketplane's uncertain future that is sure to be discussed at the ISPS.
Update: The posting is now in full swing. Unfortunately for me, as with the Space Elevator Games I won't be doing any on-the-spot posts. Alas, I'm working this week, and it's debatable whether I'll even have access to the computer this weekend. I'll see what I can do from afar while I can, though.
As with the main Space Elevator Games posters, RLV News is posting faster than I can keep up. Here's today's batch; check the link in the previous sentence to get the latest.
ISPS Introductory Comments - Peter Diamandis gives an introductory talk. This post also includes links to a a detailed overview of the X PRIZE Cup from Space.com that includes all sorts of details on what you'll see there, and other important information like maps and advise to wear sunscreen. The Las Cruces Sun also has a Spaceport section that's probably a good place to check on New Mexico Spaceport news, and that has an article on spaceport discussions at the ISPS.
ISPS Plenary Session - Valin Thorn reviews NASA's COTS program, Elon Musk covers "Why to invest in space", astronaut John Herrington discusses Rocketplane, and Alex Tai presents Virgin Galactic.
ISPS Track 1: Session 1 - progress in Vehicle Systems
ISPS Track 1: Session 2 - Synergy Between Government and Personal Spaceflight
ISPS Track 2: Session 1 - Developing Space Tourism - Since this is the Space Prizes blog I should mention that the panelists included Ansari X PRIZE sponsor Anousheh Ansari.
ISPS Track2: Session 2 - Interviews with Space Tourists by The Space Show host Dr. David Livingston - One question was To the future tourists, would you help fund grants for students to go? Anousheh Ansari's answer was that Her philanthropy [is] aimed at more longer term benefits than a single spaceflight.
I'm not sure if this is the kind of thing she has in mind, but here's an example of her fundraising efforts. The University of North Texas recently held a fundraiser at the Frontiers of Flight museum. The fundraiser was called Discover the Power of Ideas 2007: Privatization of Space. Proceeds of the event, with a presentation by Ansari, went to fund scholarships for the school. Ansari is also expected at the X PRIZE Cup, World Space Expo, and Students for the Exploration and Development of Space SpaceVision 2007 conference.
ISPS Session 3: Track 1 - Marketing the "New Space" Business
In addition to the big Space.com article mentioned above, Leonard David has a couple of shorter LiveScience blog posts on the New Mexico events:
X PRIZE Cup Lead Sponsor EX'd Out - Wirefly is reducing its sponsorship of the X PRIZE Cup. It's not clear how much the reduction is, whether or not the X PRIZE Cup title is changed, and when this happened (right before the Cup, or a while ago?). Didn't enough people by phone plans? Folks, you've got to make the sponsors happy! Anyway, Wirefly has an X PRIZE Cup blog, and it still says "Wirefly X PRIZE Cup", but the last update was September 20.
Lunar Lander Team Challenge: Armadillo to Fly Solo - Oh, well, I was hoping there would be a multi-competitor competition this year, but this challenge is difficult. That's why the winners get so much money, and why the challenge needed a prize in the first place. This also means that the other teams should be looking ahead to next year.
Transterrestrial Musings posts on the single competitor, too.
Cosmic Log has a thorough post on the recent Space Elevator Games and the upcoming Lunar Lander Challenge. It also presents a backdrop of other prizes like the DARPA Urban Challenge and the other Centennial Challenges.
Don't forget that NASA is funding the Lunar Lander Challenge prize money. They should be congratulated for sponsoring this easy-on-the-taxpayer and good-to-commercial-space competition.
The Google Earth Blogger is flying to the competition. There won't be any air photos of the X PRIZE Cup this time, though (it being at an Air Force Base and all). The post includes some good Google Earth links related to the X PRIZE Cup, as well as other New Mexico links of interest.
Personal Spaceflight posts on arriving for the ISPS and X PRIZE Cup and Rocketplane's uncertain future that is sure to be discussed at the ISPS.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wirefly X PRIZE Cup and Northop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge
Well, the Space Elevator Games schedule is almost merging with the X PRIZE Cup schedule, if you count the Personal Spaceflight Symposium! Fortunately there are lots of others out there posting on these events.
Here's an article by the Las Cruces Sun-News on the Symposium and Cup. It mentions a local participant in the X PRIZE Cup:
One of those participating this year is Las Crucen Eric Yaryan whose group FLARE — Fellowship of Las Cruces Area Rocket Enthusiasts — will launch a high-powered rocket named Leatherneck to an altitude of more than 12,000 feet.
Here's more about FLARE.
I'd bet on plenty of reporting on the Lunar Lander Challenge, X PRIZE Cup, and International Symposium on Personal Spaceflight from RLV News, Transterrestrial Musings, and The Space Show, since they plan to attend. There will probably be a lot more coverage, too.
Check out the RLV News link above for more information about the remaining Lunar Lander Challenge competitors. It includes this video of an Armadillo FAA qualification flight.
Don't forget to check out Space.com coverage of the Cup!
The ISPS Blog got updated a few days ago with some new speakers; I'm not sure if it will be updated during the event.
Wirefly also has a Blog for the X PRIZE Cup, but again I don't know if it will be updated during the event.
Here's an article by the Las Cruces Sun-News on the Symposium and Cup. It mentions a local participant in the X PRIZE Cup:
One of those participating this year is Las Crucen Eric Yaryan whose group FLARE — Fellowship of Las Cruces Area Rocket Enthusiasts — will launch a high-powered rocket named Leatherneck to an altitude of more than 12,000 feet.
Here's more about FLARE.
I'd bet on plenty of reporting on the Lunar Lander Challenge, X PRIZE Cup, and International Symposium on Personal Spaceflight from RLV News, Transterrestrial Musings, and The Space Show, since they plan to attend. There will probably be a lot more coverage, too.
Check out the RLV News link above for more information about the remaining Lunar Lander Challenge competitors. It includes this video of an Armadillo FAA qualification flight.
Don't forget to check out Space.com coverage of the Cup!
The ISPS Blog got updated a few days ago with some new speakers; I'm not sure if it will be updated during the event.
Wirefly also has a Blog for the X PRIZE Cup, but again I don't know if it will be updated during the event.
Space Elevator Games Day 3 (and now 4)
The Space Elevator Games continued Sunday, with attempts, but no wins, from all 4 climber teams. The games are extended to Monday (today) for those teams that can stay. All of the details, and some cool pictures of climbers against backdrops of snowy mountains and lasers firing at night are at The Space Elevator Blog and The Space Elevator Reference.
Update: More attempts have been made, but there haven't been any successes yet. One issue is that there may be problems with the ribbon itself. See the links above for more details.
There's a summary at Wired Science and TreeHugger.
Meanwhile, RLV News has links and comments on the games here and here. In addition to the posts, you should check out the comments, some of which are from NASA Centennial Challenge's Ken Davidian. One comment from RLV News that I agree with is the following:
One thing I would suggest, though, is that some preliminary events be arranged to help the competitors get some "practice" before the one big annual contest. Just going through the process of moving the apparatus, setting it up, seeing if everything is compatible with the rules, finding unexpected problems, etc. will help a team prepare for the real thing later. Such preliminary meets might offer only some minor prizes or even just some travel support for the contestants. The tether strength competition, in particular, doesn't involve a big hardware setup. I could imagine, for example, the National Space Society sponsoring a mini-competition of the tether pull at its annual meeting in May. A materials sciences conference of some sort might also be interested in such a contest.
This idea seems like a potential win-win-win-win for NASA, the Alliance Organization (in this case Spaceward), the event organizer (such as the National Space Society ISDC), and the competitor teams (and their sponsors). It applies to other similar Challenges, too.
For NASA: More good public relations, and more of a chance to get better technical results from the challenges. For example, a test Regolith Excavation run using good lunar simulant a half year early might teach a team something early, and get them producing results earlier. Misconceptions about the expectations (eg: mobility) might also be brought to light earlier this way. Similar scenarios could hold for Space Elevator competitors (although I suppose it's less likely after 3 years of Space Elevator games).
For the Alliance Organization (like Spaceward): This would allow them to iron out some problems early, making their main event more of a success. Possibly just as important, it would be a good chance for public attention to their event and cause, helping sponsorship, attendance, and more. In the case of a Washington DC event, they might even get some favorable political exposure. It would probably be a lot of work ... but maybe some volunteers at the event could help.
For the event organizer (let's pick the NSS ISDC): Such an event at, or near (in time/space) the ISDC would be a draw to the rest of the ISDC, both for the general public and for Space Elevator fans. As with Spaceward, it would bring more attention to their event and organization. Even if a full-fledged event can't be held because it's too difficult, it would be good to have some kind of dry run event like the qualification event at the Games, or at least a display of hardware. It would be interesting to see teams show up not only to compete in a mini-Games, but also to have a Space Elevator or Power Beaming/Tether track at the ISDC so the teams can show their stuff and so other elevator/power beaming/tether experts can present. Having some kind of associated competition, like the Light Racers, or a smaller power beaming, material strength, or related challenge (either for kids or grown-ups) would also fit in nicely. I wouldn't limit ideas for associated mini-challenges to the ones at the Space Elevator Games -- anything on the path to the Space Elevator, or perhaps other space-related advances that can be accomplished with improved power beaming or tether technologies, would work just as well. With such a "theme" as part of the ISDC, one can imagine a nice Ad Astra article with photos almost writing itself.
For Teams - One potentially nice thing about the timing of ISDC is that it might be convenient for university students who might be between Spring semester and a summer job at that time. Obviously the additional exposure and dry run would help them raise money and increase their chances of winning the prize. It would be a good networking opportunity, too. It should be a lot of fun, too.
Oh, I almost forgot the ISDC attendees - the dry run and any associated mini-games or lecture tracks would be a nice addition to their ISDC experience.
So ... there are a lot of advantages ... but clearly it would involve scarce money and time. It seems like a worthwhile thing to try, anyway.
Update: More attempts have been made, but there haven't been any successes yet. One issue is that there may be problems with the ribbon itself. See the links above for more details.
There's a summary at Wired Science and TreeHugger.
Meanwhile, RLV News has links and comments on the games here and here. In addition to the posts, you should check out the comments, some of which are from NASA Centennial Challenge's Ken Davidian. One comment from RLV News that I agree with is the following:
One thing I would suggest, though, is that some preliminary events be arranged to help the competitors get some "practice" before the one big annual contest. Just going through the process of moving the apparatus, setting it up, seeing if everything is compatible with the rules, finding unexpected problems, etc. will help a team prepare for the real thing later. Such preliminary meets might offer only some minor prizes or even just some travel support for the contestants. The tether strength competition, in particular, doesn't involve a big hardware setup. I could imagine, for example, the National Space Society sponsoring a mini-competition of the tether pull at its annual meeting in May. A materials sciences conference of some sort might also be interested in such a contest.
This idea seems like a potential win-win-win-win for NASA, the Alliance Organization (in this case Spaceward), the event organizer (such as the National Space Society ISDC), and the competitor teams (and their sponsors). It applies to other similar Challenges, too.
For NASA: More good public relations, and more of a chance to get better technical results from the challenges. For example, a test Regolith Excavation run using good lunar simulant a half year early might teach a team something early, and get them producing results earlier. Misconceptions about the expectations (eg: mobility) might also be brought to light earlier this way. Similar scenarios could hold for Space Elevator competitors (although I suppose it's less likely after 3 years of Space Elevator games).
For the Alliance Organization (like Spaceward): This would allow them to iron out some problems early, making their main event more of a success. Possibly just as important, it would be a good chance for public attention to their event and cause, helping sponsorship, attendance, and more. In the case of a Washington DC event, they might even get some favorable political exposure. It would probably be a lot of work ... but maybe some volunteers at the event could help.
For the event organizer (let's pick the NSS ISDC): Such an event at, or near (in time/space) the ISDC would be a draw to the rest of the ISDC, both for the general public and for Space Elevator fans. As with Spaceward, it would bring more attention to their event and organization. Even if a full-fledged event can't be held because it's too difficult, it would be good to have some kind of dry run event like the qualification event at the Games, or at least a display of hardware. It would be interesting to see teams show up not only to compete in a mini-Games, but also to have a Space Elevator or Power Beaming/Tether track at the ISDC so the teams can show their stuff and so other elevator/power beaming/tether experts can present. Having some kind of associated competition, like the Light Racers, or a smaller power beaming, material strength, or related challenge (either for kids or grown-ups) would also fit in nicely. I wouldn't limit ideas for associated mini-challenges to the ones at the Space Elevator Games -- anything on the path to the Space Elevator, or perhaps other space-related advances that can be accomplished with improved power beaming or tether technologies, would work just as well. With such a "theme" as part of the ISDC, one can imagine a nice Ad Astra article with photos almost writing itself.
For Teams - One potentially nice thing about the timing of ISDC is that it might be convenient for university students who might be between Spring semester and a summer job at that time. Obviously the additional exposure and dry run would help them raise money and increase their chances of winning the prize. It would be a good networking opportunity, too. It should be a lot of fun, too.
Oh, I almost forgot the ISDC attendees - the dry run and any associated mini-games or lecture tracks would be a nice addition to their ISDC experience.
So ... there are a lot of advantages ... but clearly it would involve scarce money and time. It seems like a worthwhile thing to try, anyway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
