The MX-1 lander, which Moon Express said is capable of carrying scientific and commercial payloads, is set to blast off in 2017 on Los Angeles-based Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. The rocket is awaiting its first flight.
Also new logo & website.http://www.moonexpress.com
I would have far more confidence in this if they'd have an actual flown booster for their mission before they worry about the paperwork.Unless they going full yolo and launching this on the very first Electron. If/when it is ready in 2017 (not holding my breath, but I must admit I know very little of their project)
Yes, it's too much hype. But that's how you raise money.
The MX-1 is not just limited to landing on moon it is also space craft which can act as lunar orbiter with a significantly larger payload. This orbiter mission could also place a few cubesats in lunar orbit. Alternatively in lower cost version act as earth departure stage to Mars or beyond for large cubesats ie 6-12U. The launch costs for these missions could be well under $10M, really depends how much MX want to charge. NB to land on moon it will need a DV of 5-6km/s.
This is link to CAT plasma thruster about the only cubesat propulsion system that I know of capable of >3km/s (7km/s?). Still a while away from flying. There are some systems close to 3km/s, may do earth escape but leaves nothing in tank for mission.http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=35143.msg1227561.msg#1227561
I believe Moon Express is in it for the long haul - GLXP not withstanding...