Update 7:

The Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge is over for the day. John Carmack and his Armadillo Aerospace team have declared no more flights today. They have run into a problem with their vehicle that needs significant testing - issues that must be addressed before flight of the craft can be resumed.

Carmack said that all work at Armadillo is on hold…work for NASA, Rocket Racing League, as well as runs at winning the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge. Time will be spent on wrestling with the problem that cropped up today due to the generic hardware that’s used across the board on the other Armadillo projects.

Carmack and his team did walk away with $350,000 for winning the Level 1 Challenge yesterday, but now it’s back to the shop.

Peter Diamandis, head of the X Prize Foundation, told me that they are working with NASA on opening the window earlier in 2009 for the Lunar Lander Challenge.

Update 6:

Word here is that Armadillo’s Level 2 vehicle has suffered too much damage to attempt another flight today. Apparently the craft’s engine was damaged, as well as some fuel line linkage, as well as a GPS navigation box atop the vehicle. The rocketeers are headed back to the site here to debrief all onlookers.

More in a few minutes….
Update 5:

The vehicle is being vented as its tilted on its side. No word yet whether or not the craft has been damaged and will/won’t fly again today. There are two remaining time windows today to attempt the Level 2 flight attempts.

Update 4:
The Armadillo craft aborted on liftoff. Engine started…but not clear what caused the shutdown. The vehicle fell over on its side - and needs to be depressurized.

“Never a dull moment here,” said Peter Diamandis, head of the X Prize Foundation.

Clearly, the vehicle falling over is not a good sign. No word on damage to the vehicle as yet. The team of rocketeers has reentered the scene and is cautiously evaluating the vehicle.

Update 3:

Just a few minutes away - For Level 2 180 second burn of the rocket is required versus 90 seconds for Level 1.

Flight operations have been given go - flight hazard is green. Go for flight operations.

Update 2:
Fueling has completed…pressurization is complete. John Carmack, leader of the Armadillo team, noted yesterday that this Level 2 vehicle is more difficult to fly. So cross your fingers!

Update 1:

Armadillo Aerospace has completed fueling and is starting lox load on their vehicle - in an attempt to win the Level 2 Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander Challenge.

Another beautiful morning here…all is go! Skies are clear and everyone is ready to hear the roar of rocketry crack across the landscape here.

Not a single cloud in the sky.

Just a few minutes away from the first flight of the craft in the required back-to-back hops. The landing spots are simulated lunar landscape pads.