Scientists Demand NASA Goes Ahead with Viper Moon Mission
Scientists Demand NASA's AxingGoes ofAhead Moonwith RoverViper ProjectMoon Sparks AngerMission
The Facts
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.
The Spin
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 wouldspace haveagency bledis NASAcommitted evento moreexploring the moon, jeopardizingcontinuing the project would have jeopardized other keyvital NASA missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.
