Team in lunar X-Prize has big plans for future.

Private firm Astrobiotic Technology announced Thursday that it plans to land a rover near the Apollo 11 landing site in May 2010 to win the Google lunar X prize competition. This challenge will award $20 million to the first team to complete all required tasks on the moon. This would seem like a worthy endeavor on its own, but their next plan is even more daring.

After that launch, they plan to launch FIVE more study possible ice deposits on the lunar poles. This will no doubt cost more than what they would get form the competition, but the president of Astrobotic, David Gump, acknowledge that these mission to the poles and other areas would benefit their investors, with all the data gathered from the rovers sent to many customers and researchers with access.

Their first post X prize plans are to send two rovers to NASA's Tranquility base to search for water (more specifically, ice) in 2011 and 2012. Other ice hunting rovers are expected to launch afterwards, with a "moon dozer" to follow past 2013.

It's also worth noting that they have an idea for a rocket to use, *cough, SpaceX!, Cough*

The FAA Approves Rocket Races!

Hey guys, have you watched Sci-fi movies like Star Wars and wondered, "Wouldn't it be cool to see vehicles like that race each other?" If you did, you might what to grab your binoculars because this may become a reality as early as next year!

On Tuesday,the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved rocket-powered aircraft to fly in 20 venues across the United States. They will compete what is called the Rocket Racing League (RRL), which people describe as NASCAR-type race in the air. This is the first time the FAA has allowed such aircraft for exhibition flights.

The RRL formed in 2005 and currently has six teams, each with rocket-powered racers fueled with liquid oxygen and kerosene. The league is also going to use the latest technology, as the video on the RRL's website describes. They have already had great success with their rockets, with a public demonstration flight that took place in September.

This means that we are one step closer to cheering for our favorite team roar pass the finish line at sub-sonic speeds, and I definitely can't wait.