U.S. Undergraduate Program Launches Moon Lander
![]() |
On the 22nd, according to international media reports, a group of university students from the United States unveiled an ambitious project aiming to become the fourth team in history to send a spacecraft to the moon. The team, based at Pennsylvania State University, is working on a revolutionary lunar lander capable of taking off and landing multiple times, which could significantly enhance future lunar exploration efforts.
The students are targeting a 2015 launch, but they emphasize that this will only happen if they can secure sufficient funding. On their fundraising platform, the team wrote: “Historically, moon missions have required both intelligence and determination, often backed by government funding. Today, we still need brainpower and perseverance, but we no longer rely on a nation’s resources. For the first time, a group of dreamers—students, schools, and supporters like you—will send a spacecraft to the moon.â€
This initiative is part of the Google Lunar X Prize competition, where teams are vying to be the first non-governmental organization to land on the moon. If successful, the mission will not only return data and images but also engrave the names of those who supported the project onto the lander. The team, known as the Lunar Lions, plans to send the first group of 20 student rocketeers, along with mentors and friends, to make the historic landing.
Once on the moon, the lander will take off again, fly briefly, and then land once more—something never done before by humans. The team has conducted extensive calculations to determine how long the lander can operate on the lunar surface. Since it may carry names and messages from supporters, knowing its lifespan is crucial. They claim the lander could remain active for tens of millions of years.
The team is confident they can win the Google Lunar X Prize and become the first private organization to successfully land on the moon. “Our launch date is set, and our spacecraft design is complete. It seems the ‘Lunar Lions’ are about to claim the Google Lunar X Award and make history as the first non-governmental team to achieve such a mission,†they said.
The next step involves building and testing a prototype of the lander. In December 2015, the Lunar Lions will be launched aboard a commercial rocket. After a five-day journey through space, the lander will touch down on the moon’s surface and transmit high-definition images and videos back to Penn State Mission Control. Once the first landing is confirmed, the team will command the lander to take off again and head to a second landing site.
The project began in January 2013, with the team transitioning from the design phase to the lab phase by July 2014. During this period, researchers will conduct experiments on Earth to test the lander’s ability to descend, land, and take off between different locations. From December 2015 to January 2016, mission control will oversee the flight operations. Throughout the mission, the team plans to share stunning HD videos and photos with the public, showcasing the achievements of the Lunar Lions. Among all their accomplishments, the Gold Lander will stand as their most significant legacy.
A toilet tank, also known as a hidden cistern, is a modern plumbing fixture used in bathrooms and toilets. It is designed to hide the flushing mechanism behind a wall or inside a piece of furniture, providing a sleek and minimalist look to the bathroom space.
The main purpose of a concealed flush tank is to save space and create a clean aesthetic by concealing the unsightly plumbing components typically associated with traditional exposed cisterns. By integrating the flush tank within the wall or furniture, only the flush buttons or plates are visible to the user.
Concealed cisterns come in various designs and sizes to accommodate different installation requirements. They are usually made of durable materials such as ABS plastic or stainless steel to ensure longevity and resistance to water damage. The tanks are equipped with a water inlet valve, a flushing mechanism, and an outlet pipe connected to the toilet bowl.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, installation systems also offer practical advantages. They are typically equipped with dual-flush mechanisms, allowing users to choose between a full flush for solid waste and a partial flush for liquid waste. This dual-flush feature helps in conserving water by reducing the amount used for each flush, contributing to water efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Installation of a concealed cistern requires professional plumbing expertise, as it involves cutting into the wall and connecting the tank to the toilet bowl. However, once properly installed, the maintenance and upkeep of a concealed toilet tank are relatively straightforward.
Toilet Tank, Installation System,Toilet Water Tank,Toilet Cistern, Concealed Cistern
Guangdong Fabia Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.smartfabiatoilet.com