Category Archives: Features

Astrobotic Technology will carry 130 lbs. (60 kg) to the Moon for researchers and marketers as part of its maiden expedition in 2012 to win the Google Lunar X Prize. Science instruments, prototype exploration devices and commercial packages will be carried at $700,000 per pound, plus a $250,000 fee per payload to cover the engineering… {read more}

The third prototype for Astrobotic Technology’s lunar robot has innovations that will enable it to survive the blistering heat at the Moon’s equator, which is the robot’s destination in 2013 when it will visit the Apollo 11 site. Noon at the equator is hotter than boiling water: 270 degrees F. The robot beats the heat… {read more}

The Astrobotic robot heading to Apollo 11 will capture the “magnificent desolation” described by Buzz Aldrin in both high definition video and 3D video – the first planetary robot to accomplish either feat. Twin HD cameras will give armchair explorers back on Earth the opportunity to see the Moon with the clarity and depth perception… {read more}

Astrobotic will execute robotic lunar missions to collect exclusive data needed by space agencies and aerospace firms planning Moon expeditions. Accurate lunar surface data are key to cutting costs, accelerating schedules and enhancing safety. Planners need a wide variety of information collected on the surface to enhance and confirm the less-detailed orbital observations of today’s… {read more}

Announcement of the Google Lunar X-Prize catalyzed the formation of Astrobotic Technology. The founders decided to pursue the Google challenge as the kick-off mission in a series of expeditions to robotically pioneer the lunar frontier. The Google race can be won at any time, by the first team to reach the Moon and complete a… {read more}

The major space-faring nations of the world are heading to the Moon with rovers and crewed expeditions.  China and India are targeting the Moon for mineral and energy  resources to benefit their citizens. NASA has broad objectives, from research to learning how to mount a Mars expedition. Most nations plan to concentrate their exploration on… {read more}