NASA is seeking proposals for a public or private partner in the US to advance the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) rover mission. The rover’s instruments are designed to search for ice on he lunar surface and collect science data. It’s also a part of the agency’s Artemis campaign.
“Moving forward with a VIPER partnership offers NASA a unique opportunity to engage with the private sector,” says Nicky Fox, associate administrator in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Such a partnership provides the opportunity for NASA to collect VIPER science that could tell us more about water on the Moon, while advancing commercial lunar landing capabilities and resource prospecting possibilities.”
The VIPER mission was canceled in July 2024, but by August NASA had issued a Request for Information. The agency is looking for American companies and institutions to conduct a mission using the Moon rover. Any partnership would fall under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. A type of partnership that allows NASA and industry partners to contribute services, technology, and hardware to a collaboration.
The VIPER Partnership
The agreement would consist of NASA providing access to the existing VIPER rover as-is. The partner would be responsible for landing the rover on the Moon, conducting a science/exploration campaign, and disseminating VIPER-generated data. All with the stipulation that no instruments or parts of the rover may be used separately from the VIPER mission.
“Being selected for the VIPER partnership would benefit any company interested in advancing their lunar landing and surface operations capabilities,” explains Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration in the Science Mission Directorate. “This solicitation seeks proposals that clearly describe what is needed to successfully land and operate the rover, and invites industry to propose their own complementary science goals and approaches. NASA is looking forward to partnering with U.S. industry to meet the challenges of performing volatiles science in the lunar environment.”
For anyone who may be interested, responses are due Monday, March 3rd, 2025. Once submissions are evaluated, NASA will ask respondents to submit a second, more detailed, proposal. The agency is expected to decide on a partnership this summer. You can find more information about the proposal process here.
