Selenokhod - lunar contest participant

• Launch
• Flight to the Moon
• Lunar landing
• Lunar surface mission and rover deployment

Launch
   Selenokhod will be launched aboard a reliable Dnepr rocket - a converted  Russian RS-20 / SS-18 - from one of two possible launch sites in either Russia or Kazakhstan by our launch services provider, Kosmotras.

Dnepr rocket liftoff

  Other Russian launch vehicles may serve in a backup role.


Flight to the Moon

   After remaining in low Earth orbit until all systems are checked, and once the spaceship is cleared for its flight to the Moon we will ignite the rocket booster to propel our lunar lander with the rover attached to the correct speed which will enable it to break free from Earth's gravity and head for the Moon.
   At the end of this flight path, and once the Moon’s gravity is encountered, the lander will slowly orbit the Moon. After final checks, everything will be ready for landing.

Lunar Landing

   After departing from the lunar transfer module, the lunar lander with lunar rovers aboard will start its descent. Keep in mind that we are still in the process of deciding whether we intend to use one or several robotic rovers. The descent will last just enough time to allow for the lunar lander to orient itself properly and to fire the landing retro-rockets in the final seconds prior to landing in the designated landing zone. It will be a soft landing.
 
Lunar surface mission and rover deployment

You can download a 3D model of Selenokhod rover (Adobe Reader 9 required).    Once the dust settles and radio communications with the lander are established, the side panels will unfold. These are multiple-use solar panels which are designed both to protect the rovers during flight and landing, and to serve as off ramps for the rovers on the Moon. After the rovers are activated, they will cautiously proceed down the ramp and onto the lunar surface.
   These wheeled rovers will be able to move independently across the lunar regolith, to automatically avoid obstacles, to capture and transmit data, high-definition still photos and HD video back to the lander which will then relay the datastream and imagery to Earth.
   To meet the Google Lunar X Prize contest requirements, the rovers will have to drive at least 500 meters while transmitting data, still photos and HD video. While this might be quite easy to accomplish on Earth, it will be very tricky on the Moon where temperatures range from +170 °C (daytime)  to -170 °C at night.
   By the way, the bonus prize for respectfully revisiting the landing site of Apollo is $4,000,000. It is so breathtaking to see bootprints of Apollo astronauts again, isn't it?