Nine teams with rocket-powered vehicles will compete for $2 million in NASA prize money during the 2008 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, Oct. 24-25, at Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico. Teams must fly their vehicle, simulating a takeoff and landing on the moon. The task must then be repeated in a limited period of time. The competition provides a demanding test of navigation and control for the vehicles, as well as a demo of reusable rocket engine technology. NASA provides the prize money for the competition as part of the Centennial Challenges Program. The X PRIZE Foundation manages the competition at no cost to NASA, receiving financial support from sponsors such as the Northrop Grumman Corp. and the state of New Mexico.

Select this image for more info...