NASA Details VIPER's Role in Lunar Lander Program

NASA has decided to cancel the VIPER lunar rover mission due to cost and schedule overruns, which would have impacted other missions in the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The cancellation could have led to the termination or delay of up to eight CLPS missions. NASA is exploring alternative options, including partnering with commercial and international entities, to continue the mission. The decision has faced criticism for potentially missing the opportunity to study lunar water ice deposits, crucial for future lunar exploration and commercialization.