Astrobotic’s Lunar Robot Beams HD Video

We’re sure that Google’s Lunar X-Prize contest is spurring all sorts of great moon rover prototypes, but Astrobotic Technology’s submission is particularly touching. Using a half cone of solar cells, the rover traps heat from the sun and uses it to power a high-definition television studio and Internet node, beaming its findings back to Earth. Unconventional placement of the motors — inside the robot’s body instead of on the wheels — protects them from intense weather. And just in case anybody’s watching, a vertical panel facing away from the moon’s hot side displays the names of sponsors. The Lunar X-Prize awards $30 million to whoever can create the best prototype for landing and traveling on the moon while sending imagery back home. Registration ends in December 2010, in case you’ve got a knack for building moon robots. [Astrobotic Technology via BB Gadgets]