Astrobotic Technology has signed a contract with SpaceX to launch Astrobotic’s robotic payload to the moon on a Falcon 9 rocket by December 2013.
The expedition will search for water and deliver payloads, with the robot narrating its adventure while sending 3D video.
The Falcon 9 upper stage will be launched on a four-day cruise, which will then orbit the moon and align for landing.
The spacecraft will land softly, precisely and safely using technologies pioneered by Carnegie Mellon University.
The rover will explore for three months, operating continuously during lunar days, and hibernate through lunar nights.
Astrobotic Technology president David Gump said, “The initial mission will bank up to $24m in Google’s Lunar X-Prize, Florida’s $2m launch bonus, and Nasa’s $10m landing contract while delivering 240lb of payload for space agencies and corporate marketers.”
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By GlobalDataIn addition to Carnegie Mellon University, the mission is supported by industrial partners such as International Rectifier Corporation, and corporate sponsors including Caterpillar and ANSYS.
