VIPER rover to search for ice-water on moon

NASA’s new VIPER rover is set to search a lunar crater for ice – which could provide drinking water, air and rocket fuel needed for future manned missions to the moon


Project cost: $660m

Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover

Nov 2023: VIPER hitches ride on static lander bound for moon. Mission will last 100 days

Landing site: Near Nobile Crater at South Pole. Area in almost permanent shadow with temperatures as low as -223°C

VIPER will follow pre-planned route of 16-24km, but route could change depending on what it finds

1m-long drill will test for subsurface water-ice

Rover is similar size to golf buggy

Areas where NASA believes water-ice may be found


2022: Artemis program to return astronauts to moon begins with unmanned test of Orion space capsule

2024: First astronaut landing since 1972 expected by third mission


Sources: BBC, New York Times, NASA 
Pictures: NASA
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