Guardian

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.

NASA

Last month, NASA announced the cancelation of the robotic Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rove (Viper) mission, citing delays to the launch date and cost overruns.

However, astronomers and astrophysicists from across the world have claimed the mission's cancelation "undermines Nasa's entire lunar exploration programme for the next decade."

New York Times

While the launch will happen as scheduled with a nonfunctional "mass simulator," the already built Viper — a wheeled, car-sized vehicle — is set to be disassembled.

SpaceNews

Last week, NASA solicited "expressions of interest" from American companies and institutions in conducting a mission using the Viper's lunar rover.

Guardian #4070

Last month, NASA announced canceling the robotic Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rove (Viper) mission, citing delays to the launch date and cost overruns.

However, astronomers and astrophysicists worldwide claim the mission's cancelation "undermines Nasa's entire lunar exploration programme for the next decade."

The Pinnacle Gazette

Prof. Clive Neal of the University of Notre Dame argues that Viper's axing is illogical, "especially considering the substantial investments already made."

New York Times #1261

NASA's committed hara-kiri by canceling the Viper lunar rover mission. 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 project.

The Hill

4794821 Nasa Halts Viper Lunar Rover

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 the project would have jeopardized other vital missions. The decision reflects NASA's need to balance goals with budget.

Nasa

Nasa A Viper Project Continues Moon Exploration

There's a 50% chance that NASA will next land astronauts on the moon by March 31., 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

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Scientists Demand NASA Goes Ahead with Viper Moon Mission

Space

United States of America

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.

Scientists Call for NASA to Go Ahead with Viper Moon Mission

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Scientists Call for NASA to Go Ahead with Viper Moon Mission

Scientists DemandCall for NASA Goesto Go Ahead with Viper Moon Mission

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