Finish line looms for Google lunar xprize [News]

After nearly 10 years and multiple deadline extensions, the moon seems to be coming into focus for competitors in the Google Lunar XPrize. Five finalists will have until 31 December to leave the launchpad in pursuit of the US $20 million top prize, which will go to the first team that lands a vehicle on the moon and completes a set of mission requirements, including moving at least 500 meters across the surface and transmitting high-definition video back to Earth.