Miami Google Lunar X Prize

An Evaluation of Alternative Energy Business Models

2008-02-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

While energy needs are dramatically increasing and we are more heavily relying on the depleting source of fossil fuels, retrieving energy from space is not yet a feasible option.

The only source of energy in space is solar energy, and the concept of using radio waves (discussed in class) to transmit energy back to earth has already been thoroughly researched. Solar Power Satellites were devised in 1968. Research began immediately, first via the Satellite Power System Concept Development and Evaluation Program (1968-1970), then with NASA’s Fresh Look (1996). Possible scenarios they explored included using the moon and asteroids as a source of materials and launch sites, all of which were deemed impractical due to competitive markets on earth. Estimates put the most practical projects on the scale of 20 billion dollars in cost, most of the problems coming from fuel costs.

An interesting article published by NASA can answer most questions about recent developments in this field and can be found below.

http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/reports/2004/TM-2004-212743.pdf

And for more information on NASA’s Fresh Look and other previous research check out:

http://spacefuture.com/archive/a_fresh_look_at_space_solar_power_new_architectures_concepts_and_technologies.shtml

This seemed to be the only method currently developed for alternative energy from space, leaving us with little choice but to pursue other markets.

Open Letter to Team Prodesse

2008-02-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow Prodesse Teammates,

It has been around a week now since I joined the Prodesse team, and I would like to share some of my observations and thoughts, relate them to what we are doing, and then formally (you have heard some of this before informally) propose a way forward -- all for your consideration.

In the big picture, it has been my observation that in order to truly thrive, the human spirit requires a sense of accomplishment. Both collectively and individually, it seems people are happiest, and at their best when they are faced with a challenge. It also seems that real satisfaction and fulfillment comes not from the triumph, but from the struggle that precedes it; because this is when we seem to accomplish the most. Accomplishment then is what we all seek. Throughout human history there have been two main sources of challenge that have provoked great accomplishments, war and frontier. War through fear and frontier through wonder, have always evoked a feeling of adventure and served to marshal and organize our efforts like nothing else. But now we seem to find ourselves in an era devoid of challenge and adventure. As a result, on a deeper philosophical level, we all are looking for something to do. Where will we find our next big challenge? What will it be? Between war and frontier, I know what I choose.

Just when it seems like there is no frontier left; at least none that anyone can practically reach, we are offered an opportunity to show everyone otherwise. Miami University, this class, and the Google X-Prize provide a way. I proposed we, Team Prodesse, accept this challenge and go to the Moon -- but not because we want to win the X-Prize, or even because we want others to see us and recognize our triumph. I proposed we accept this challenge because it needs to be done, and done in a way that will make it easier for others to follow afterward. I propose we go to the Moon and help open that important new frontier, and in doing so help fill people’s hearts with wonder again and rekindle their sense of adventure (Prodesse Quam Conspici). To accomplish this however, I do not propose we send one mission to the Moon, or even two. To meet this challenge correctly, to really help open up the frontier for others to follow, I propose we send twelve missions to the Moon. That’s right, twelve.

Each Prodesse mission would include a lunar lander with a rover, and a lunar orbiter equipped with wide band communications and GPS style signaling capability. Some landers and their rovers would be targeted for the historic Apollo landing sites. Others would be targeted for scientifically meaningful areas like the lunar polar regions in the hope of discovering water. Our primary objective however would be to establish a preliminary orbital constellation around the Moon to provide initial wideband internet connectivity between the Earth and the Moon and initial part-time GPS navigating capability on and near the surface of the Moon. We would follow up afterwards with more missions to provide a complete orbital constellation for more robust full time service. A wideband internet trunk-line connecting the Earth with the Moon, and the availability of GPS style navigation signals on and near the Moon will make a real and tangible contribution towards opening that frontier; making it easier for other missions to follow. Leasing access to those services will also form the sound basis for a reasonable business venture -- something informed investors would probably want a part of.

Now I realize all this must sound very ambitious, and it is. But that’s the way I see it. There is no un-ambitious way to approach it. So I do not propose we do this alone. In plain fact, I don’t think that would work. Recognizing what we have to offer and what we might hope to gain, I propose that we cast ourselves in the role of Mission Integrator, and seek out professional strategic partners to actually design and build the hardware, and to then fly the missions. Each student, according to his or her area of interest would work with and shadow a particular partner. Quite reasonably there would be internship and co-op opportunities along the way, and hopefully employment opportunities for students who seek them. But the real work of designing and building the flight hardware would be left to professionals who have done it all before. Even the mission of flying the orbiter/landers to the moon should be left to the professionals. Remember now, students would be working side-by-side with our professional strategic partners, gaining all the possible valuable experiences available. Those students who wish to learn the art and craft of Mission Integration would have that opportunity too. We faculty members would serve in the role of facilitators of the organizational framework around which and upon which all of this would take place. There would also be nice opportunities for faculty members to pursue areas of research interest related to this enterprise. I believe this approach offers the best chance for the mission to succeed and the best opportunity for Miami University to be on the winning team.

Sincerely,

Bob

Bigelow Working With Lockheed to Human Rate the Atlas V

2008-02-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting article that builds on the topics of commercialization, funding, open source business models. Does this inspire anyone onthe team to reach a little higher with our business models discussions? Please post a response.

Role of physics in landing something on the moon

2008-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

We were privileged the other day to have a physicist join our discussion. Now for those of you that don't know, I (Jeff June) do not have a clue when it comes to exactly how we will launch our project into space, but I feel I am a little closer (so to speak).

There are are other considerations as well such as:

Do you want to orbit the moon or slam right into it.
At what point do you leave the gravitational pull of the earth and enter the gravitational pull of the moon.
How does the gravitational field of either the Earth or Moon, help or hinder the efforts.

The above are a few ideas we are kicking around.

As always, your participation is in this topic and all others consider here are always welcome.

Welcome to Miami Lunar X Prize

2008-02-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

This Blog is dedicated to reporting what is going on at Miami University beginning in the Spring 2008 with respect to the Google Lunar X Prize Competition (GLXP). I am Jeff June, a faculty member at Miami University and I am the entrepreneurship member of the team. The Miami University faculty on the team includes Glenn Platt (marketing and interactive media studies), Mike McCollum (engineering), Bob Setlock (Mechanical Engineering) and Myself.

We are privileged to have approximately 20+ students working on the project. Most of the students from what I understand have an engineering background.

Right now there are many ways this project could go and it feels like it changes everyday. The concept for this class/ GLXP submission came from Glenn and Mike. Bob and I just joined the team this week.

Bob and I teach a New Product Development class together as well that brings together engineering, business, art, education majors together to solve problems and create new products. Our big success last term as developing a radioisotope manufacturing device that is used to produce radioisotopes for use in PET scans. Pretty cool I must say for a group of undergraduates. I believe all the faculty are continually inspired by how great our students are, it make every day a real joy, and challenge.

Most projects I am involved with we always joke around, "that it is not rocket science", well we can't say that any more. But a fun filled fact I learned abotu Bob the other day is he actually is a "Rocket Scientist" with a number of years experience with the AirForce.

Did you know that the Air Force has a space program bigger than NASA? Neither did I?

Another fun filled fact I want to post for the team is there is a student run venture fund here on campus. Since our goal according to the competition rules is to find funding, I would suggest you contact the venture fund here on campus, TODAY.