NASA's ambitious lunar rover, VIPER, may yet make its way to the moon's surface, thanks to a contract awarded to Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. The US space agency has tasked the aerospace company with designing a delivery plan for the rover, with the option for future delivery. VIPER, or Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, was initially slated for launch in 2023. However, rising costs and delays led NASA to cancel the mission in July 2024. According to WIRED, the CLPS award to Blue Origin has revived the program.
The rover, approximately 2. 5 meters tall and weighing nearly 500 kilograms, is equipped with a one-meter drill and three scientific instruments. Its mission is to explore the moon's south pole in search of ice and other resources. Blue Origin's contract win is a significant development in the emerging sector of private space companies.
Alongside Firefly Aerospace and SpaceX, Blue Origin has secured a CLPS contract with NASA, paving the way for reduced costs and increased focus on scientific exploration. The Blue Moon MK1, designed by Blue Origin, will carry NASA's stereo cameras for surface surveys and small spheres with laser technology for mission tracking.
NASA's VIPER lunar rover could be delivered to the moon by Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' aerospace company.More takeaways: Visit website
No comments:
Post a Comment