GLXP MysteryTeam (11:47 AM)
Even if we win, we actually don't expect any profit.
But first off, we must survive a landing on the moon. That is not trivial.
Then we must also fulfill the GLXP rules and requirements -- those rules allow for travel on, below or above the surface of the moon.
Most teams seem focused on the rover. Might sound odd, but we feel [something else] might be better-suited for the job.
We haven't committed to [an] idea yet, but right now I really like it.
Oh, and the launch vehicle/rocket is a big cost.
Dave on Earth (11:51 AM) Sounds like you're still very much in the idea phase.
Speaking of your secrecy, you've got the advantage of watching the other teams. How do you think you match up at this point?
GLXP MysteryTeam (11:53 AM) It's been great seeing the other teams, and I have to say there is some very respectable competition out there.
Of course I'm biased, but I believe that when folks see what we've put together, many will feel that we're the team to beat!
I'm actually a bit surprised more teams haven't remained "mysteries." Then again, some potential teams might be working without registering yet...
Dave on Earth (11:55 AM) Interesting theory -- do you think covert teams are a strong likelihood?
GLXP MysteryTeam (11:57 AM) I think there's a very good chance.
After all, registration costs $10,000 and registered teams need to produce content for the GLXP Web site. That's all extra money and work, so there is a rationale for putting off registration.
Dave on Earth (11:58 AM) Do you know what goals you have for your mission yet?
I've know there are quite a few multi-million-dollar bonuses -- I think one is filming an Apollo landing site.
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:00 PM) We're seriously considering the bonus prizes.
Right now we like the heritage prize, with an eye on [an Apollo] site. And the 5 kilometer long-distance prize.
Dave on Earth (12:00 PM) Very cool. Now, a "big picture" question for you: What's the big deal about this competition?
Some people out there have said "big deal, we've already been to the moon with robots and people!"
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:06 PM) OK, I started a big long explanation but gave up...
The
short version: It's cool and might lead to technologies that will benefit those on Earth :)
Dave on Earth (12:06 PM) What specifically is cool about it?
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:09 PM) Well, what is cool about space? I think some of us it as the ultimate expression of unlimited possibility.
Imagine if all power was generated in space.
Imagine if all production was done in space.
Imagine if Earth was a beautiful garden where we lived in peace and raised our children.
Space allows us to dream big.
The key to winning this prize is to dream big but keep your feet rooted in reality. That's the team I've attempted to put together.
Dave on Earth (12:12 PM) I see...
getting to the moon is not easy, though.
What sort of technical challenges are you going to face as a privately funded team?
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:13 PM) There are many.One of the biggest challenges is the limit of how heavy the robot we launch can be. The more you lift into space, the greater the cost.
So designing a spacecraft that can perform the required mission involves doing everything possible to keep it as small as possible.
To be cost effective, teams need to optimize existing technology as well as look for new ways to overcome technical problems. Government funded programs tend to reduce risk and just spend more money.
This prize instead rewards those willing to risk -- after all, breakthroughs only happen when you risk trying something new.
Dave on Earth (12:16 PM)
I've tried to starting conversations about the Google X PRIZE with friends and family -- and they have no idea what I'm talking about.
Aa few years down the road, when the moon's surface is filmed in big, beautiful high-definition footage, do you think that'll change?
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:17 PM) If the prize is won, I expect a similar reaction to the success of Burt Rutan with SpaceShipOne.
There will be a few folks that realize what was accomplished, and hopefully be inspired by it. These are the same people probably willing to move beyond dreaming and start risking their personal comforts in hopes of making their dreams reality.
Then there will be the large group of what I call "Procrastinauts" -- people who'll consider what was done, and decide to work on it... tomorrow.
And then there are most folks, who won't even notice. They're too busy making ends meet to worry about space or even dreaming about it.
That said, I'm an optimist and believe that it's worth doing.
Thanks for taking the time to ask.
Dave on Earth (12:20 PM) Thanks for chatting with me! Anything you'd like to add?
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:21 PM) Stay tuned for next week's exciting episode -- "Lost in Space: the return to the moon" ;)
Dave on Earth (12:22 PM) Any more clues you'd like to give about the team? I've seen you leak a few out via Twitter...
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:23 PM) It's hard to put out anything helpful and not give things away. I do live in the mountain time zone...
Dave on Earth (12:23 PM) Hmm... interesting. Thanks again for doing this!
GLXP MysteryTeam (12:23 PM) Thank you!
The rest of the interview, via Twitter, about articles stating the Google Lunar X PRIZE can't be won:
Disco_Dave: One question I forgot to ask -- how do you respond to things like this?
MysteryTeam:
1. Burt's Busy
A: So?
2. Not Enough In Prize Purse
A: Our business plan does not require the prize money to cover all costs.
3. Not Enough Time
A: Time will be tight, but not the limiting factor.
4. Too Darn Tough
A: Tough, yes, but it can be accomplished with existing tech.
5. It's cooler to be green.
A: The eventual movement of industry into space is the ultimate green plan.
Disco_Dave: Thanks very, very much!
Article posted September 4, 2008.
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