Lunar Exploration: Thinking Big By Going Small
- Paper number
IAC-08.A3.2.A14
- Author
Ms. Sarah Ramsey, X PRIZE Foundation, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Bretton Alexander, X PRIZE Foundation, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. William Pomerantz, X PRIZE Foundation, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Science fiction has long advocated big activities that might one day be conducted on the Moon, for example, mining deuterium 3, nanotechnology or other research considered too “dangerous” to do on Earth. But before those big plans can be realized, explorers must learn to think small. The Google Lunar X PRIZE advocates a more near-term “small” business model for going to the Moon. The primary goal of a Google Lunar X PRIZE team is to win the grand prize of 20 million, but there is a longer term goal for the competition. This presentation outlines potential outcomes of the Google Lunar X PRIZE. The winner of the Google Lunar X PRIZE will prove that they can land safely on the Moon, travel a useful distance (500 meters), and carry a payload ( in this case, a camera and other items). If a team is able to carry out these actions for a reasonable cost, we believe they will find clients to offer them additional missions. Government space agencies or universities are the most likely early customers, with science payloads that otherwise might be too costly or not high enough priority to send. Once sending small robotic craft to the Moon is a proven capability, there is potential for government and other industries to begin researching ways to utilize lunar resources. Some potential futures for lunar business: tourism; using lunar material to build and satellites; a way− station for long− distance exploration missions. Bringing down the cost of lunar exploration and opening up the lunar frontier to non− traditional companies will help the human race move permanently out into the solar system.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A3.2.A14.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.