To 2024: NASA Requests Further Testing of Lander for VIPER Mission
In a recent development, NASA’s mission to search for water on the moon has hit another snag. The space agency has announced that the launch date of its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission has been pushed back by another year, from 2023 to 2024.
According to NASA, the additional testing is aimed at reducing the overall risk to VIPER’s delivery to the moon. This marks the second time the mission has been delayed, with the first delay attributed to "upgrades" to the water-hunting rover in 2020.
The Importance of Water on the Moon
Water on the moon could be a game-changer for human exploration and potential settlement. Not only can it provide a source of oxygen and hydrogen fuel, but it could also help establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by the mid-2020s. The long-term goal is to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, with water playing a crucial role in making this vision a reality.
VIPER: The Rover Designed to Hunt for Water
VIPER is a state-of-the-art rover designed specifically for searching for water on the moon’s South Pole. Equipped with three instruments and a three-foot drill, the rover will be able to travel into permanently shadowed regions of the moon, where temperatures can drop as low as -250°C.
The Lander: Griffin
VIPER will be delivered to the lunar surface by the Griffin lander, which is being developed by Astrobotic under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The lander is larger than Peregrine, a smaller lander used for a previous mission, with a payload capacity of 500 kilograms.
Astrobotic and NASA’s Partnership
Astrobotic was selected as the commercial partner to develop the Griffin lander in 2020, under the CLPS program. The company has been working closely with NASA to ensure that the lander meets the agency’s requirements for delivering VIPER to the moon.
Additional Funding for Astrobotic
In a recent announcement, NASA confirmed that it will be providing an additional $67.8 million to Astrobotic for further testing of the Griffin lander. This brings the total contract value to $320.4 million.
The Role of SpaceX
Astrobotic has selected SpaceX as its partner for delivering the payload to orbit using a Falcon Heavy rocket. The partnership between Astrobotic and SpaceX is a significant one, highlighting the growing role of commercial companies in NASA’s lunar exploration efforts.
Conclusion
NASA’s VIPER mission is an important step towards establishing a sustainable presence on the moon. With water being a crucial resource for human exploration, this mission has far-reaching implications for space travel and potential settlement.
While the delay may seem disappointing, it’s a necessary step to ensure that the mission meets its objectives and achieves success. As NASA continues to push forward with its Artemis program, one thing is clear: water on the moon is a game-changer, and VIPER is leading the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the VIPER mission?
A: The VIPER mission is a lunar exploration mission aimed at searching for water on the moon’s South Pole. The mission includes a rover called VIPER, which will be delivered to the lunar surface by a lander developed by Astrobotic.
Q: Why has the mission been delayed?
A: The mission has been delayed due to NASA requesting further testing of the Griffin lander, which is being developed by Astrobotic. This additional testing aims to reduce the overall risk to VIPER’s delivery to the moon.
Q: What are the implications of water on the moon for human exploration?
A: Water on the moon could provide a source of oxygen and hydrogen fuel, making it easier for humans to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. It could also play a crucial role in future lunar missions and potential settlement.
Q: Who is Astrobotic?
A: Astrobotic is a commercial company that was selected by NASA to develop the Griffin lander under the CLPS program. The company has been working closely with NASA to ensure that the lander meets the agency’s requirements for delivering VIPER to the moon.
Q: What role does SpaceX play in the mission?
A: Astrobotic has selected SpaceX as its partner for delivering the payload to orbit using a Falcon Heavy rocket.
