During the spring semester of 2008 (last year) the 16.89/ESD.352 Space Systems Engineering class engaged in the question of how to best architect and design a mission which will satisfy the requirements set out in the Google Lunar X-Prize Rules. At the end of that semester, the design was sufficiently well developed, with a preliminary cost estimate, to allow an intelligent decision on the advisability of MIT’s participating in the competition. This graduate level class was led by MIT Professors Jeffery Hoffman and David Miller.

This study, together with a parallel study led by Dr. Todd Mosher of Sierra Nevada Space Systems, resulted in an initial concept which team Next Giant Leap has continued to refine over the past year. Both studies reached similar conclusions leading us to focus on a "hopper" vs. a "rover" approach.

Although the rules and other issues have since evolved, the study still gives detailed insight into the challenges involved.

The final class report of can be downloaded here:
http://www.nextgiantleap.com/MIT_Spring_08_GLXP_Report.pdf
This pdf contains the slides and notes for the final class report. Some proprietary items have been omitted.

Since this report the MIT students have been very busy. Stay tuned for more updates!