![]() ![]() The tests conducted at the Ames Research Center aimed to simulate various challenging scenarios that the rover might face when it exits the lander on the Moon, such as uneven ramps and steep inclines. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy launch vehicle and Astrobotic's Griffin lander will transport VIPER to the Moon's surface, while drivers at Ames will remotely control the rover. Demonstrating its ability to smoothly exit the lander on the lunar surface is crucial for the rover. CBS Bay Area reported, that this mobile robot, destined for the Moon's south pole in search of water, is set for a groundbreaking space mission. RELATED ARTICLE: Jeff Bezos' Aerospace Company, Blue Origin, Will Test Moon Lander in First 2020 FlightĬheck out more news and information on Space Exploration in Science Times.Last week, NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) underwent critical testing as it practiced descending from a mock lunar lander ramp at Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. Related information about the contract is shown on The Launch Pad's YouTube video below: The administrator shared his optimism for the future of the agency in general amidst budgetary challenges and difficulties that occur along with the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas NASA will need to work out how to make this small budgetary raise stretch for two contracts of HLS, Administrator Nelson has stated previously, his confidence in the ability of NASA to secure the funding from Congress, essentially to support a second contract for the lunar lander. In their report, the appropriators state that the HLS program of NASA is not underfunded in spite of the previous claims of the agency in opposition.Īs indicated in the report, the bill contained $24.83 billion for the space agency, which is just a little more than the said amount that NASA requested and a $100 million increase in funding for the moon lander. On October 18, the Senate Appropriations Committee, the largest committee of the US Senate that's overseeing all mandatory spending legislation in the Senate, issued a draft report of about nine appropriations bills for next year, including funding for NASA, SpaceNews reported. It appears, though, that Blue Origin may have its wish granted. ![]() This did not work, and the company filed a federal lawsuit against NASA for their decision, a legal choice that put HLS development temporarily on hold. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, even wrote an open letter addressed to Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, requesting a contract that offers to cover up a portion of the cost amounting to $2 billion. In effect, they filed formal protests combating the decisions attempting to get NASA to reconsider and add the second company. The original decision of NASA to award the contract to construct and develop a Human Landing System or lunar lander, only to SpaceX, was met with strong protest from the other two firms in the running at present, including Blue Origin and Dynetics. Nonetheless, this direction came alongside a slight increase in funding. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, wrote an open letter addressed to Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, in a request for a contract for the lunar lander that offers to cover up a portion of the cost amounting to $2 billion.įollowing much legal back-and-forth after the original decision of NASA, the Senate Appropriations Committee has directed NASA to select now a second firm to develop a crewed moon lander. ![]()
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