The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) will search for volatile resources – including water ice – and collect data to support future crewed missions to the moon and Mars.
The mission forms part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, with the task order awarded to Blue Origin carrying a potential value of US$190 million. This is the company’s second CLPS delivery contract.
Blue Origin’s first lunar delivery, using its Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) robotic lander, is scheduled for launch later this year and will carry scientific instruments to the south pole region. The VIPER rover delivery, using another MK1 lander, is slated for late 2027.
NASA associate administrator for science, Nicky Fox, said the mission would help advance exploration objectives in a cost-effective way.
“NASA is committed to studying and exploring the moon, including learning more about water on the lunar surface, to help determine how we can harness local resources for future human exploration,” she said.
VIPER’s 100-day mission will target permanently shadowed regions near the lunar south pole. By mapping and analysing potential water deposits, the rover will provide key insights into sustaining human presence on the moon during longer missions.
Sean Duffy, NASA’s acting administrator, said: “Our rover will explore the extreme environment of the lunar south pole, travelling to small, permanently shadowed regions to help inform future landing sites for astronauts and better understand the moon’s environment.”
Blue Origin will be responsible for the entire landing mission, including payload integration, testing and deployment of the rover. NASA will oversee rover operations and scientific research once the lander has touched down.
NASA had previously cancelled the VIPER project but opted to revive the mission through a private-sector partnership to lower costs and reduce technical risks.
Joel Kearns, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for exploration, said the search for lunar water had both scientific and practical importance.
“This delivery could show us where ice is most likely to be found and easiest to access, as a future resource for humans,” he said.
The VIPER rover is being developed at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, with engineering support from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.