Science • Space
2020-06-12T05:00:02+00:00

Pittsburg-based Astrobotic awared US$200 million by NASA to deliver VIPER to moon

Pittsburg-based Astrobotic awared US$200 million by NASA to deliver VIPER to moon
VIPER will be tasked to prospect for natural lunar resources, especially water ice within a permanently shadowed region near the lunar south pole. Credit: NASA / Public domain

VIPER is going to roam the moon soon. Today, Pittsburg-based lunar logistics service provider Astrobotic was awarded US$200 million by NASA to send the rover to the moon in 2023. VIPER, or Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, is going to explore the lunar surface, mapping its resources and looking for water ice. Under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services private companies will be paid to send payloads to the moon.

Pentributor:
“Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed.” ― Neil Armstrong
Card reviewed by: @ericof