Can private companies carry NASA back to the Moon?
VergeJAN 2024
Scientists are up in arms over NASA's “unprecedented and indefensible” cancellation of the $450M Viper lunar rover mission meant to look for ice on the moon.Thousands of scientists have written an open letter to the US Congress demanding NASA reverse its "unprecedented and indefensible" decision to cancel the $450M Viper lunar rover mission.
Astronomers and astrophysicists from across the globe have written an open letter to the US Congress criticizing NASA for axing the 2025 mission.Last month, NASA announced canceling the robotic Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rove (Viper) mission, citing delays to the launch date and cost overruns.
Prof. Clive Neal of the University of Notre Dame reportedly said Viper's cancellation "makes no logical sense" and harmed NASA’s lunar ambitions.However, astronomers and astrophysicists worldwide claim the mission's cancelation "undermines Nasa's entire lunar exploration programme for the next decade."
NASA's committed harakirihara-kiri 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 missionproject.
The Viper lunar rover mission faced immense financial and logistical challenges, caused by extended pre-flight testing requirements and supply chain issues. ContinuingThough Viperthe space agency is committed to studying and exploring the moon, continuing the project would have bled NASA even more, jeopardizing other key NASA missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.