id software's co-founder John Carmack & his company 'Armadillo Aerospace' have failed to secure the Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander challenge prize money when the rocket (dubbed 'pixel') tipped over & crashed shortly after take-off on it's second attempt. The rocket, designed for vertical take-off & landing, had previously completed a first attempt but sustained damage on landing which disqualified it. Now that the second attempt has failed Carmack is pulling the plug.

"Pixel is probably not going to fly again,” Carmack said in a post-crash interview. "It's down for the count.”

full story link.

UPDATE : After some inspection of the downed rocket 'pixel' Carmack has decided to try again next year & is hopefull of a successful flight & landing. Story Update.

“We could have won this year with a little good luck, but by next year we will be so well prepared that it would take crushing bad luck to keep us from winning,” Carmack emphasized.

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