Last year, NASA canceled the VIPER ("Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover”) in a move that scandalized proponents of a return to the moon. The space agency was just $84 million short of completing the mission when it pulled the plug. VIPER had been slated to go to the moon on board an Astrobotic Griffin lander.

Then, the space agency asked for ideas from the private sector for delivering the water-hunting robot to the lunar surface commercially. A Texas company called Intuitive Machines offered a detailed plan.

Now, with a change of presidents and a new, reformist NASA administrator nominated and about to go through the confirmation process, the space agency has reiterated its desire to save the VIPER with a commercial partnership. It is requesting more comprehensive plans to fly VIPER to the moon with a deadline........

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