The first presentation after the break was by Steve Cook - NASA Ares Booster Development
Steve considers his presentation an investor’s update. As taxpayers we getting a report on how our dollars are being spent. Ares is the launch vehicle for NASA to get out of low earth orbit. NASA is focused on space exploration, beyond low earth orbit.
NASA is expecting to learn a lot in developing Ares I to improve Ares V. He talked a bit about the politics. There have been a ton of studies. NASA is trying to get some focus and build something. NASA has had to work with the Pentagon.
The current approach is to has two versions of Ares. There will be one launch which puts the cargo into space via Ares I. This is followed by a second launch with the crew via Ares V.
NASA is trying to change their cultural. They want to be more productive, more focused.
(Update I)
Space Politics has some thoughts on Steve Cook's presentation.
The rest of the afternoon was focused on X-Prize. Nicole Jordan and Will Pomerantz talked about the X-Prize Cup Operations and Lunar Lander Challenge rules
The X Prize Foundation is taking an approach of offering a prize for the desired behavior and then letting any group of individuals try to win the prize by being the first to perform. Their main goal is to get people on the moon.
Nicole talked about the event last year, the Wirefly X Prize Cup. They had 20,000 people watch. Nicole talked about the importance of safety and the steps they took to keep the audience safe.
Will is in charge of writing the rules for the 2006 Lunar Lander Challenge prize. There is a $2 million prize, the money is from NASA, but the running of the X-Prize Foundation is done by private individuals and organizations. There are two levels, levels I and II, what they call “Junior Varsity” and “Varsity.” X-Prize and NASA picked the judges. It was interesting, to try for the X-Prize need to get an experimental permit for FAA. The X-Prize built launch pads and a simulated moon environment.
They started out by having the rockets in the crowds, but empty. This way the rockets were safe. Part of this is the PR to get the public excited about space. After the rocket was seen by the audience, the rocket was taken far away and fueled.
Will said there will be a 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge prize. There were some slight changes to the rules. Early register closed end of February, regular registeration closed March 31, and there will late registration up till the end of April. The earlier you register the cheaper the fees. Will asked that those who are interested in participating please keep the X-Prize Foundation informed. He warned that the experimental permit process is non-trivial so start it early and take advantage of the pre-application consultation.
After Nicole and Will talked, they had a panel of people who participated in X-Prize: Russell Blink, Randall Clague, and Dave Masten. Randall said important to do several practice runs so can give a reasonable Estimated Time. Dave said important to be very flexible. Randall said there is great pressure, the contestants are doing something that has never been done before, and it is important to be done safely.
They took Q&A from the audience
1) Will there be hangers?
If the contest is at Holloman Air Force Base, there will be hangers available.
2) When is the contest this year?
Currently looking at the last week in October.
3) What is possible for fuel?
The rules specify what is allowed and what is not allowed. They are working with the same supplier.
4) Will X-Prize provide any insurance?
Insurance is a huge cost. X-Prize will not be providing insurance. X-Prize is trying to see if they can help
5) Will state police and county sheriffs be briefed ahead of time. (Audience laughed)
Yes.
6) How many organizations have signed up?
Can not say right now. X-Prize can handle five for Level I and five for Level II.
7) Will the media be there?
Hope so, trying to get the media out. Clarified, there are four checks, first and second place for Level I and first and second for Level II
8) Clarify how get to be in a group of five?
X-Prize is planning to only take those who have a real rocket. Want to see at least one test flight.
9) Some question about having a box for the flight data.
X-Prize is working on, not sure will be able to provide a box.
10) Can you use a box for both levels?
Good question, will need to check with the chief judge.
Randall said don’t worry about the judges, they great. Will said they were great, and unpaid. What else could you ask for?
First: Introduction
Overview: the agenda
Previous: Charles Miller on the Air Force Research Lab
Next: Thursday evening - NASA, Space Studies Institute, Space Law, Speed Up, Dayton Advanced Rocket Team.
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