VIPER Stories

NASA’s VIPER robotic Moon rover is shown in a clean room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Two of its wheels are visible in this image. It is shown on a white floor in front of a white wall next to the NASA "meatball" logo. On the the floor there is yellow-and-black tape surrounding the rover.

NASA Explores Industry, Partner Interest in Using VIPER Moon Rover

2 min read

As part of its commitment to a robust, sustainable lunar exploration program for the benefit of all, NASA issued a Request for Information Friday to seek interest from American companies and institutions in conducting a mission using the agency’s VIPER…

Article3 months ago

NASA Ends VIPER Project, Continues Moon Exploration

3 min read

Following a comprehensive internal review, NASA announced Wednesday its intent to discontinue development of its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) project. NASA stated cost increases, delays to the launch date, and the risks of future cost growth as the…

News Release

Mission Manager Update: VIPER Rover Approved to Move into Environmental Testing!

1 min read

While NASA’s VIPER team has been focused on building the flight rover that will go to the South Pole of the Moon, the team has also been making preparations for environmental testing of the rover.  In April, the VIPER team…

Article6 months ago

NASA VIPER Robotic Moon Rover Team Raises Its Mighty Mast

4 min read

NASA’s VIPER – short for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover – now stands taller and more capable than ever. And that’s thanks to its mast. VIPER’s mast, and the suite of instruments affixed to it, looks a lot like the rover’s…

Article8 months ago

Mission Manager Update: All VIPER Flight Instruments Installed!

2 min read

The VIPER team continues to push forward with the build of the flight rover that’ll go to the surface of the Moon. As of this writing, all of VIPER’s flight instruments are installed, and the rover is more than 80%…

Article9 months ago

Into the Belly of the Rover: VIPER’s Final Science Instrument Installed 

2 min read

A team of engineers prepares to integrate TRIDENT – short for The Regolith Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain – into the belly of NASA’s first robotic Moon rover, VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover).  TRIDENT, designed and developed by engineers at…

Article9 months ago

NASA Invites Public to Send Names Aboard Artemis Robotic Moon Rover

0 min read

Lee esta nota de prensa en español aquí. NASA is inviting people to send their names to the surface of the Moon aboard the agency’s first robotic lunar rover, VIPER – short for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover. The rover will embark…

News Release

Mission Manager Update: VIPER Flight Rover Half-Built!

2 min read

The VIPER team is hard at work building the flight vehicle that will be going to the surface of the Moon this time next year! In fact, we’re about halfway through the build, and you can interactively watch the process and hear…

Article11 months ago

Connect with NASA at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2023

2 min read

Connect your sci-fi fandom and learn about how NASA explores the unknown in space for all humanity! Join experts and engagement team members from NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley at FAN EXPO San Francisco 2023. Visit the exhibit,…

Article1 year ago

Mira cómo la NASA construye su primer vehículo lunar robótico

4 min read

Read this release in English here. El público tendrá un asiento de primera fila y en directo para ver cómo el primer rover lunar robótico de la NASA cobra forma en la sala limpia de la Instalación de Pruebas de Integración…

Article1 year ago