NASA plans to determine the next steps for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) lunar mission by early 2025, following its cancellation in July 2023. Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA's Science Mission Directorate, announced this at an Oct. 28 meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG).
The cancellation was attributed to anticipated cost overruns and delays stemming from issues identified during environmental testing. The rover, which had been scheduled to launch on Astrobotic's Griffin lander, was expected to be stored at the Johnson Space Center starting early next year.
In August, NASA issued a request for information (RFI) to explore alternative uses for the nearly complete rover, receiving approximately 50 responses. Kearns stated that the agency is now reviewing these responses to consider potential partnerships.
VIPER project scientist Anthony Colaprete noted that the rover had successfully completed environmental tests without significant issues. He indicated that the decision to cancel VIPER was influenced by earlier problems with Astrobotic's Peregrine lander, which impacted NASA's lunar delivery plans.
Congress may also play a role in the rover's future, as bipartisan leaders have raised questions about the cancellation and the implications for lunar exploration. NASA has retained its contract with Astrobotic for the Griffin mission, which may involve launching a mass simulator or other payloads.
As NASA navigates these developments, the scientific community awaits clarity on the future of the VIPER mission and its potential contributions to understanding water ice deposits at the lunar south pole.