Lunar Lander Challenge

The competition offered a series of prizes for teams that launch a vertical takeoff/vertical landing (VTVL) rocket that achieved the total delta-v needed for a vehicle to move between the surface of the Moon and its orbit.

After completing this first flight, the vehicle can then be refueled, and must then fly a second leg back to the original starting point.

Although four teams officially registered for the competition, only one was able to receive the required permit from the FAA before the event.

Armadillo Aerospace arrived at the 2006 event, held at Las Cruces International Airport in New Mexico, with two matching vehicles, named Pixel and Texel.

The 2007 Lunar Lander Challenge took place on October 27–28 at the Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Team leader John Carmack expressed his disappointment, saying "today is officially a bad day when it comes to our vehicle.

"[6] The 2008 Lunar Lander Challenge took place October 24–25, back at the Las Cruces International Airport.

Because the X PRIZE Cup was canceled for 2008, the Lunar Lander Challenge was held separately, and was open only to members of the press.

[10] Armadillo made an attempt at the level 2 prize on October 25, but had a fuel valve failure, burned through the engine nozzle, and rolled the vehicle at takeoff.