Our efforts to develop a Lunar Lander for the Google Lunar X PRIZE have led us into interesting technologies with much wider applications. For example, our successful efforts to breadboard an adequate Laser Altimeter for our lander have led to Laser Interferometer capabilities with good potential for robotic and machine tool applications, as well as for monitoring precision satellite formations. Consideration of “Sample Return” options led us to upgrade our hardware for “Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking” including upgrading the demo hardware for our “Electro Magnetic Tractor Beam”. The later can be used to assemble and maintain satellite formations in orbit with no propellant consumption, as well as to effect precision docking. We have in fact developed a cluster of interesting technologies for innovative applications in space, all of which can be “Proven in Space” in CubeSat demonstrations. I will discuss this more in the next few days.

Our ability to deliver advanced hardware in low mass packages was also advanced by our GLXP efforts, and our commitment to pursue that prize with the lowest possible systems mass. The X PRIZE Foundation's recent provision of access to “Venture Capital” and “Angel Investor” experts was welcome and useful. These experts made it clear that FUNDING a GLXP flight is probably more difficult than ENGINEERING a successful system. This input only underscores the Micro-Space focus on pushing the mission cost as low as possible, and soliciting funding for other uses of the technology we are developing. More later – I have Proposal Deadlines in two days!