Can private companies carry NASA back to the Moon?
VergeJAN 2024
NASA's committed harakiri by canceling the Viper lunar rover mission to save a mere $84M. It was crucial for locating 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 save this vital mission.
The Viper lunar rover mission faced immense financial and logistical challenges, caused by extended pre-flight testing requirements and supply chain issues. Continuing Viper would have bled NASA even more, jeopardizing other key NASA missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.
There is a 50% chance NASA will next land astronauts on the Moon by March 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.