NASA announced on Wednesday the cancellation of its water-seeking moon rover, the Viper rover, due to cost overruns and launch delays. The rover was set to launch in late 2023 aboard a lander provided by Astrobotic Technology. However, additional testing and increased costs led to continuous mission delays, jeopardizing other projects within the space agency.
The Viper rover was designed to explore the moon's south pole, with approximately $450 million already invested in its development. This decision comes just days before the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission, which saw Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin land on the moon on July 20, 1969.
In light of the cancellation, NASA intends to explore the presence of lunar ice through alternative projects. Astrobotic Technology, despite the setback, still plans to launch its Griffin moon lander without the rover by the end of next year. The company's initial moonshot attempt in January ended in failure with a fiery descent over the South Pacific.
While the Viper rover cancellation marks a significant setback in NASA's lunar exploration plans, the agency remains committed to advancing its understanding of the moon's resources and potential for future exploration.
