The Module 1 craft came down to the ground, but then tipped over and crashed. That means the Armadillo Aerospace team missed out on the $350,000 NASA prize in its second and last attempt of the day.
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Ken Davidian, program manager for NASA's Centennial Challenges, said Module 1 was in the air for 83 seconds - seven seconds short of the required hang time. Also, I'm sure it didn't help that the spindly rocket craft fell on its side when it touched down. However, it doesn't look as if the "Mod" suffered a mortal blow.
FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane
FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts
Davidian said Armadillo team leader John Carmack has opted for starting fresh on Sunday rather than scrambling to try again today. Will they try for the $350,000 with a repaired Mod, or will they go for the $1 million with its wider, more stable Pixel craft? Stay tuned.
Last updated 4:45 p.m. ET














