NASA recently announced its intention to discontinue the VIPER Moon rover project, which was designed to map potential off-planet resources on the Moon’s South Pole. However, the agency is now seeking interest from American companies and institutions to collaborate on a mission using the existing VIPER rover system.
From July 17 to Aug. 1, NASA accepted expressions of interest from the community on using the VIPER rover. The agency is now looking to learn more about how interested parties plan to use VIPER at minimal to no cost to the government. This opportunity is open to U.S. organizations and industry, with separate channels for international interest.
NASA is excited to explore potential partnerships to advance scientific knowledge of the Moon using the engineering, technology, and expertise developed through the VIPER project. These partnerships would not impact future commercial deliveries to the Moon, ensuring continued lunar science and exploration for the benefit of all.
Future CLPS deliveries and instruments on NASA’s crewed missions will further the agency’s assessment of resources across the lunar South Pole region. The Request for Information will remain open for responses until Sep. 2, allowing interested parties to submit their ideas for collaborating with NASA on the VIPER mission.
For more information about VIPER and the collaboration opportunity, interested parties can visit the NASA website for details. NASA is looking forward to working with industry partners to advance lunar exploration and scientific research for the benefit of all.
