Under a program that allows easier collaboration between NASA and private companies, the nation’s space agency has begun working with Moon Express Inc. as they work toward a robotic lunar lander.
Based in California, Moon Express Inc. has a propulsion facility in Huntsville. The company is a strong contender for the $30 million Google Lunar X prize, to be awarded to the first team to lands its robot on the moon, where it must travel 500 meters and send back video and other data.
In the collaboration agreement, NASA will test Moon Express’ software in the agency’s Mighty Eagle lander and Moon Express will reimburse the agency for costs.
Text by Nedra Bloom
