Okay .. an iPhone of space ? Seriously ? We already have a GLXP update thread, too
I'd love to see some real hardware.
The real question is how much payload can it deliver?
Quote from: Warren Platts on 12/06/2013 01:53 amThe real question is how much payload can it deliver?Not much.The lander will be capable of delivering 132 pounds (60 kilograms) of payload to the lunar surface.From sdsds's link.
I've been looking at the design. They seem to be using the fuel tanks as part of the structural support. I've heard during landing that the tanks could absorb part of the shock. What's to prevent a rupture and fuel contamination at the landing site.
Quote from: QuantumG on 12/06/2013 03:13 amQuote from: Warren Platts on 12/06/2013 01:53 amThe real question is how much payload can it deliver?Not much.The lander will be capable of delivering 132 pounds (60 kilograms) of payload to the lunar surface.From sdsds's link.For a GTO rideshare, that's pretty good.Quote from: mr. mark on 12/06/2013 02:48 pmI've been looking at the design. They seem to be using the fuel tanks as part of the structural support. I've heard during landing that the tanks could absorb part of the shock. What's to prevent a rupture and fuel contamination at the landing site.The fact that there isn't any fuel left? And it's in a vacuum, so any volatiles (like kerosene and H2O2) will vaporize and dissipate?
Quote from: QuantumG on 12/05/2013 10:43 pmI'd love to see some real hardware.How about some real mock-up hardware? NBC News has a photo of Bob Richards on stage with some:http://www.nbcnews.com/science/moon-express-unveils-its-commercial-lunar-lander-design-2D11702824
Moon Express Inc @Moon_Ex | 7:44 PM GMT - 9 Dec 13@ga2re2t Thanks Garrett, we're in the hardware build & test phase of the MX-1, on track for a 2015 launch.https://twitter.com/Moon_Ex/status/410132856158306305
Much more interesting would be actually passing the radiation, ESD, vibration and thermal cycling tests - with flight electronics and other components. Good luck