NASA Cancels Moon Rover Mission, Citing Cost Overruns And Launch Delays
Date
7/17/2024 7:35:11 PM
(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
AP
Washington: NASA said on Wednesday it's canceling its water-seeking moon rover, citing cost overruns and launch delays.
The Viper rover was supposed to launch in late 2023 aboard a lander provided by Astrobotic Technology, but extra testing and increased costs kept delaying the mission, threatening other projects,t he space agency said.
The rover had aimed to explore the moon's south pole. About $450 million had been spent so far on its development, NASA said.
The announcement comes days before the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, which landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon on July 20, 1969. NASA said it plans to study the presence of lunar ice through other projects.
Astrobotic still plans to fly its Griffin moon lander - minus a rover - by the end of next year. The company's first moonshot ended in failure in January with a fiery plunge over the South Pacific.
Read Also
EU court rejects TikTok challenge against new EU digital rules
Greece shuts Acropolis as southern Europe swelters in heat wave
Spain cleans up after mystery substance closes three beaches
MENAFN17072024000063011010ID1108452545
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.