Google Launches New Space Race to the Moon -- Journal 9 - July 27, 2008

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/06/20/google.lunar.xprize/index.html

Google recently launched their own new space race to the moon. The multi-billion dollar company is offering $20 million to the first privately-funded team that can land on the moon. The rover must land on the moon’s surface, have it travel 500 meters or more, and send back data, photos, and video. This all has to be done by December 31, 2012. After this date has passed, the prize money drops to $15 million, and after 2014, there is no more prize offered.

Why is Google offering this incentive money to private teams? They believe that space travel should not be limited to only government-funded programs, but open to everyone. As of right now, there are about 13 teams officially participating in this new race to space, but the foundation expects that number to grow to 25.

Google also says it is not worried about anyone faking the mission. The teams must submit a mission plan as well as genuine photos and videos, a measure that the prize team says will be their assurance.

Just last month, in June, Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, made a $5 million down payment to book a seat on a future private orbital flight. This flight is set to take place in 2011 and will be the first private space flight ever. The initial payment only covers the option for a seat during the flight, but the entire flight could cost upwards of $35 million.

I find Google’s interest in space flights fascinating, and a bit scary. Yes, NASA has had problems in the past with space flights, but they pretty much have a competitive advantage over anyone else attempting to orbit in space. They have the funds and the technology to do so.

Google’s ‘sponsorship’, so to speak, of private space flights is an interesting concept. I guess it is just incentive or encouragement for others to begin paving the way for everyone to be able to do it one day. Although the $20 million will not cover the complete cost of a space flight, I assume teams find it appealing to at least get back some compensation.

Reference:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7449072.stm