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An Overview of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) MissionA critical goal to both science and exploration is to understand the form and location of lunar polar volatiles. The lateral and vertical distributions of these volatiles inform us of the processes that control the emplacement and retention of these volatiles, as well as helping to formulate in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) architectures. While significant progress has been made from orbital observations, measurements at a range of scales from centimeters to kilometers across the lunar surface are needed to generate adequate "volatile mineral models" for use in evaluating the resource potential of volatiles at the Moon. VIPER is a solar and battery powered rover mission designed to operate over multiple lunar days, traversing several kilometers as it continuously monitors for subsurface hydrogen and other surface volatiles. In specific thermal terrain types, including permanently shadowed terrain and locales that permit near-surface ice stability, subsurface samples will be examined for volatile content using a one-meter drill. This talk will provide an overview of the VIPER mission which is scheduled for flight to the Lunar South Pole in December 2022.
Document ID
20190033918
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Abstract
Authors
Colaprete, Anthony (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Andrews, Dan (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bluethman, William (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Bussey, Ben (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC, United States)
Captain, Janine (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Elphic, Richard (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Trimble, Jay (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Zacny, Kris (Honeybee Robotics Brooklyn, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
December 13, 2019
Publication Date
December 11, 2019
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN76170
ARC-E-DAA-TN76161
Meeting Information
Meeting: AGU Fall Meeting
Location: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: December 9, 2019
End Date: December 13, 2019
Sponsors: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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