What is the story about?
What's Happening?
NASA has reinstated the VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission, awarding Blue Origin a contract to deliver the rover to the Moon's South Pole in late 2027. The mission, part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, aims to locate and map water ice in permanently shadowed craters. This resource is crucial for future human lunar exploration. The $190 million contract with Blue Origin includes an initial design phase, with an optional landing phase contingent on a successful first lunar landing by Blue Origin.
Why It's Important?
The VIPER mission is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, which seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. By mapping water ice, VIPER will provide essential data for future missions, potentially enabling the production of drinking water, breathable air, and rocket fuel. The partnership with Blue Origin also underscores the strategic importance of securing lunar resources amid international competition, particularly with China. The mission's success could bolster U.S. leadership in lunar exploration and foster the development of a commercial space economy.
What's Next?
Blue Origin is set to conduct its first lunar landing later this year, which will determine the continuation of the VIPER mission. If successful, the rover will be delivered to the Moon's South Pole in 2027. The mission will provide critical data for selecting future landing sites and planning for a sustainable American presence on the Moon. The success of VIPER could also strengthen Blue Origin's position as a key player in lunar exploration.
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