NASA is moving forward with its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission by seeking private industry partners to land and operate the rover on the Moon. This initiative aligns with NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to explore lunar ice and gather critical scientific data. The agency has issued a proposal request for a Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership, with responses due by March 3, 2025.
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Background
The VIPER mission is designed to explore the Moon’s South Pole and investigate the presence of water ice and other potential resources. As the first resource-mapping mission on another celestial body, VIPER will provide crucial data to determine how lunar ice can be accessed for future exploration. While previous missions, such as orbiters and impactors, have confirmed the presence of ice at the lunar poles, VIPER will be the first to analyze it directly on the surface.
In July 2024, NASA canceled the original VIPER program, prompting the agency to explore alternative pathways to deploy the rover. The following month, NASA issued a request for information to gauge interest from private U.S. companies in executing the VIPER mission. Now, the agency is formally seeking proposals under a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA), enabling both NASA and private partners to contribute resources and expertise for the rover’s landing and operations.
VIPER Partnership Initiative
NASA is inviting US companies to propose solutions for landing VIPER on the Moon and conducting a scientific campaign. Under this initiative, NASA will provide the rover as-is, while the selected partner will be responsible for integration, landing, and operation. One key requirement is that the rover remains intact, with its instruments used as intended rather than repurposed separately. Additionally, all scientific data generated by VIPER must be openly shared.
This initiative offers private companies a unique opportunity to advance their lunar landing and surface operation capabilities. NASA will evaluate proposals based on feasibility, technical approach, and scientific objectives. The selection process will occur in multiple stages, beginning with initial proposals due by March 3, 2025, followed by more detailed submissions from shortlisted candidates.
VIPER’s Science and Mission Goals
VIPER’s primary goal is to map and analyze water ice deposits at the Moon’s South Pole. Equipped with three scientific instruments and a one-meter drill, the rover will explore various lunar soil environments, analyzing different depths and temperatures. The mission aims to provide insights into the distribution, composition, and physical state of lunar ice, helping scientists understand its origins and potential future applications.
Navigating the extreme conditions of the Moon’s South Pole, VIPER will operate in permanently shadowed craters, some of the coldest places in the solar system. The rover will collect near-real-time data, requiring precise maneuvering across challenging terrain. Its findings will enhance our understanding of the Moon’s evolution and contribute to broader lunar and planetary science studies.
Looking Ahead
The VIPER mission marks a significant step in lunar exploration, blending scientific discovery with industry collaboration. By partnering with the private sector, NASA aims to leverage commercial expertise to enhance lunar landing capabilities while maximizing scientific returns.
The exploration of the Moon’s South Pole will provide critical data on water ice, supporting future Artemis missions and potential long-term lunar exploration efforts. The selection of a commercial partner will shape the next phase of this mission, paving the way for new advancements in lunar science and technology.
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