BAD HARDWARE WEEK

In search of Moon bots: NASA this year began looking for small robotic landers it can operate on the Moon. NASA said the idea behind its Innovative Lunar Demonstrations Data (ILDD) program is to "obtain data and gather knowledge that reduces risks for future human and robotic lander designs by employing these missions as unique demonstration testbeds." The ILDD announcement will result in multiple small contracts with a total value up to $30.1 million through 2012, NASA stated. Astrobotic Technology, Dynetics, and Moon Express have been awarded contracts so far to continue research.