TeamIndus looking for a launch partner overseas after deal with ISRO falls through

**TeamIndus** was reportedly **denied the PSLV** launch vehicle by ISRO and it seemed that was the final straw for the only India team participating in the  **Google Lunar XPRIZE** competition. However, it would seem that TeamIndus has not given up on its dream to land a rover on the moon and are actively searching for partners overseas. [caption id=“attachment_4295925” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] TeamIndus rover module for Google Lunar XPRIZE. Facebook[/caption] The deadline for the launch is set by Google on 31 March and it would seem unlikely that TeamIndus will find a partner in time. The fallout with ISRO was reported by The Ken, and although the report claimed that TeamIndus has a grime chance of reaching the moon, investors are positive in making the launch possible. Google Lunar XPRIZE is a competition which is aiming to inspire engineers and innovators to come up with low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. To win the competition, the team needs to successfully place a space probe on the moon’s surface, make it travel at least 500 meters and then transmit HD video and images back to Earth. ISRO is the only option for space launches in India and TeamIndus could reportedly not generate funds needed to pay for the launch. Google Lunar XPRIZE finalist, Japan’s Team Hakuto was also hitching a ride with TeamIndus and it is currently not known what their status is. TeamIndus will not be the only one dropping out of the competition. Out of the five finalists for the mission, according to Economic Times, Israel’s SpaceIL will also not be participating in the launch.