Lunar Lander Teams To Compete For $2 Million NASA Prize

Oct. 17, 2008

Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1761
sonja.r.alexander@xxxxxxxx

Becky Ramsey
Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge, Washington
202-349-1125
prcontact@xxxxxxxxxx

MEDIA ADVISORY: M08-209

LUNAR LANDER TEAMS TO COMPETE FOR $2 MILLION NASA PRIZE

WASHINGTON -- 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, and repeat the task in a limited period of time. The
competition provides a demanding test of navigation and control for
the vehicles, as well as a demonstration 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.

Media planning to cover the event should contact Becky Ramsey at
202-349-1125 by 5 p.m. EDT, Oct. 20. Attendance at the competition is
limited. The competition will webcast live at:

http://space.xprize.org/webcast

The Lunar Lander Challenge is one of seven NASA technology prize
competitions. The Centennial Challenge prizes are offered to
independent inventors who work without government support, including
small businesses, student groups and individuals.

NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program Office manages the Centennial
Challenges program. For more information about Centennial Challenges,
visit:

http://ipp.nasa.gov/cc


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