NASA has brought back a lunar science initiative featuring a rover designed to search for water, which was once believed to be abandoned. The U.S. space agency had halted the VIPER rover project in July 2024 because of launch delays and budget overruns. This endeavor, which had already amounted to $450 million, was intended to drill for water ice at the moon’s south pole to guide future astronaut landing locations.

Initially planned for a 2023 lunar landing aboard a spacecraft from Astrobotic Technology, NASA postponed the mission for further validations, jeopardizing other lunar initiatives. Now, NASA has discreetly revived the mission, choosing Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to transport the rover to the lunar south pole by late 2027. This endeavor is part of the Artemis program, aiming to create a sustained human presence on the moon to set the stage for upcoming Mars missions.

Grant Henriksen from the National Space Society commended the choice, emphasizing the significance of public-private collaborations in tackling obstacles. Blue Origin will be responsible for the design, testing, and operation of the lander that will carry the rover. After landing on the moon, NASA will manage the rover for approximately 100 days. Blue Origin, which is already developing a robotic lander for another project, will produce a duplicate lander for up to $190 million through a new NASA task order.

Blue Origin participates in NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which involves private firms in transporting cargo, performing experiments, and assisting Artemis. The initiative aims for consistent lunar missions to facilitate astronauts’ return in 2027 or beyond.

The south pole of the moon is targeted due to its natural ice, which could potentially provide water, oxygen, and rocket fuel. Access to lunar water could allow for extended astronaut missions. The mission’s revival was influenced by advocacy groups urging Congress, prompting lawmakers to seek private sector involvement.

Water is limited in space, and scientists have long speculated about the moon’s possible water resources. China’s Chang’E-5 lander was the first to identify water on the moon in December 2020, indicating the existence of more water than previously assumed. NASA’s VIPER team, including Matt Siegler, recognizes the importance of these discoveries.

During President Trump’s administration, worries about a space race with China grew, with concerns that China might monopolize lunar resources. Former NASA administrator Bill Nelson voiced concerns regarding China’s aspirations. Acting administrator Sean Duffy reiterated these feelings, stressing the U.S. intention to uphold its leadership in space exploration.