Astrobiotic Lays Out Lunar Data Library Licensing, Flight Schedule

Astrobotic to License Access to Lunar Data Library
David Gump

“Astrobotic will create a ‘Digital Moon’ by developing an integrated lunar library of company-collected data combined with information from open sources. Data types will range from radiation and soil characteristics to the performance of various components and materials in the lunar environment. Data products will range from raw collections to highly processed information solutions that meet our customers’ needs….

“The company’s initial mission is the Tranquility Trek^TM expedition planned for December 2010 to the historic Apollo 11 site. The company selected Apollo 11 as the initial destination both for its high public interest and for the ability to see how materials left there have weathered from radiation and micrometeorite bombardment. This will be key information for design of future outposts. The mission also aims to win the $20 million Google Lunar X Prize and demonstrate precision landing at designated destination, within meters of the intended coordinates.”