NASA is seeking U.S. proposals to partner with industry and operate the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission on the Moon. As part of the Artemis campaign, the agency aims to demonstrate its ability to search for ice on the lunar surface and collect science data.
The partnership will be under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, where NASA contributes the existing VIPER rover and industry partners arrange for integration, landing, and operation. The selected partner must conduct a science/exploration campaign and disseminate VIPER-generated data while sharing it openly with others.
Becoming part of the VIPER partnership would benefit companies interested in advancing their lunar landing capabilities. “This solicitation invites industry to propose their own complementary science goals and approaches,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration.
The Moon is crucial for solar system science and exoplanet studies, helping inform where ice exists on the Moon and understanding its evolution. NASA aims to partner with U.S. industry to meet lunar volatiles science challenges.
Proposal responses are due by February 20.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-presses-forward-search-for-viper-moon-rover-partner