Can private companies carry NASA back to the Moon?
VergeJAN 2024
NASA's shot themselves in the foot by canceling the Viper lunar rover mission. It was crucial to the potential discovery of water ice on the moon, a resource essential for long-term lunar exploration and habitation, and, in the shorter run, the Artemis program. A congressional intervention or partnerships with private firms could still save this vital project.
The Viper mission faced immense financial and logistical challenges caused by extended pre-flight testing requirements and supply chain issues. Though the space agency is committed to exploring the moon, continuing this project would have jeopardized other vital missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.
There's a 50% chance that NASA will next land astronauts on the moon by March, 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.