NASA to Explore Additional Methods to Send VIPER to Moon
Following an evaluation of partnership proposals to land a water-seeking robot on the lunar surface, NASA is instead opting to explore alternative approaches to deliver its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Explorer Rover) rover to the Moon.
NASA announced Wednesday it is canceling its Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership Announcement for Partnership Proposals solicitation, which sought opportunities to send VIPER to the Moon at no cost to the government.
“We appreciate the efforts of those who proposed to the Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership Announcement for Partnership Proposals call,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We look forward to accomplishing future volatiles science with VIPER as we continue NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration efforts.”
NASA has been investigating how to get the rover to the Moon after the project was canceled in July 2024. The agency will announce a new strategy for VIPER in the future.
The formal proposal cancellation will post on the government procurement site:
