Google Lunar Challenge is awarded to the first team that can land a rover on the moon by hand . Rover must travel on the lunar surface for at least 500 meters , send back images . There are 13 teams officially competing in the race ; it is expected to grow . NASA could also be a customer for the teams , whose craft could carry scientific payloads , Ramsey said . The mission will probably cost much more than the $ 1 million first prize .
Google Lunar Challenge is awarded to the first team that can land a rover on the moon by hand . Rover must travel on the lunar surface for at least 500 meters , send back images . There are 13 teams officially competing in the race ; it is expected to grow . The mission will probably cost much more than the $ 1 million first prize .