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NASA Ends VIPER Project but Ensures Continued Moon Exploration

NASA ends the VIPER project but ensures continued Moon exploration, realigning resources to prioritize cost-efficient, innovative missions.

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VIPER
NASA’s VIPER – short for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover – sits assembled inside the cleanroom at the agency’s Johnson Space Center. Credit: NASA

VIPER Project

In a groundbreaking announcement last Wednesday, NASA declared its decision to cease the development of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) project. Citing escalated costs, scheduling delays, and the looming threat of further financial overruns, NASA has chosen to discontinue this ambitious lunar initiative. Initially set for a launch in late 2023, and later pushed to late 2024 for additional preflight testing, further impediments led to a projected readiness by September 2025. Notably, the corresponding CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) mission using Astrobotic’s Griffin lander has faced similar delays, setting both projects around the same timeline.

Despite this, Nicola Fox, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator, reassured the public of NASA’s unwavering commitment to lunar exploration. Fox highlighted, “We are committed to studying and exploring the Moon for the benefit of humanity through the CLPS program. Our path forward will make maximum use of the technology and work that went into VIPER, while preserving critical funds to support our robust lunar portfolio.”

In an innovative pivot, NASA plans to disassemble and repurpose VIPER’s instruments and components for future lunar explorations. Before this happens, NASA will explore potential interests from U.S. industry and international partners who wish to utilize the existing VIPER rover system, reallocating resources effectively and mitigating costs.

Continuing under the vast umbrella of the CLPS program, the Astrobotic will advance its Griffin Mission One, targeting a launch not earlier than fall 2025. This phase will serve as a pivotal flight demonstration for the Griffin lander, setting the stage for future expeditions despite VIPER’s absence.

Further into NASA’s strategy, the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 (PRIME-1) remains scheduled to launch by the fourth quarter of 2024. PRIME-1’s objectives mirror many of VIPER’s goals, including verifying the presence of ice at the lunar South Pole. Equipped with a drill and mass spectrometer, this mission will study the volatile content beneath the moon’s surface, fostering continued scientific discovery and resource utilization.

Moreover, upcoming crewed missions promise to scale up lunar exploration. Instruments developed for VIPER will find new purposes in future landings, and the Lunar Terrain Vehicle will enable astronauts to traverse and study the Moon’s south polar regions more extensively.

As the lunar landscape promises new frontiers, NASA’s tactical repositioning from the VIPER project illustrates a keen balancing act between ambition and pragmatism. By reallocating resources of the VIPER, NASA ensures its commitment to lunar exploration remains robust and adaptive to the evolving challenges and opportunities of space exploration. The future of lunar exploration, fueled by unparalleled collaboration and technological innovation, continues to shine bright, promising profound insights and unprecedented possibilities for humanity.

This initiative also signifies a broader vision where collaborations with international space agencies and private aerospace companies will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the moon’s geology and potential resources. By focusing on sustainable and continuous lunar missions, NASA aims to lay the groundwork for eventual Mars expeditions, making the moon a critical stepping stone for interplanetary travel. The shift in focus from individual missions to a cohesive ecosystem approach underscores NASA’s foresight in advancing human presence beyond Earth. The advancements made in this realm could lead to revolutionary discoveries in various scientific fields, including astrogeology, astrobiology, and human physiology.

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For more information about VIPER, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/viper

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

  • Daily News Staff

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

astronomy

Near-Earth Object 2024 UQ: A Close Call from the Cosmos

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2024 UQ

In a remarkable demonstration of both the unpredictability of space and the extraordinary capabilities of modern astronomical detection, a small asteroid, designated 2024 UQ, recently made headlines after it struck Earth just hours after being identified. This event, which took place on October 22, 2024, marks the third “imminent impactor” recorded this year, highlighting the continual and often daunting reality of near-Earth objects (NEOs).

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, a network of four telescopes dedicated to scanning the night sky for potential collision threats, 2024 UQ was small—measuring only about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. While news of an asteroid making contact with Earth can evoke concern, there was no cause for alarm in this instance. The diminutive size of the asteroid meant that it posed very little threat to anything on the ground. In fact, it burned up in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean near California, leaving no trace or damage.

However, the swift timeline of events raises critical questions about the effectiveness of our current monitoring systems. The impact occurred just two hours after the initial detection, which meant that by the time data was transmitted to the impact monitoring systems operated by the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center, the impact had already taken place. According to their November 2024 newsletter, the ATLAS survey had successfully obtained images identifying the asteroid on a collision trajectory, but due to its position near the edge of two adjacent observational fields, it was not recognized as a significant threat until it was too late.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in tracking and predicting the paths of NEOs. While advancements in technology have undoubtedly improved our ability to detect these celestial objects, the circumstances surrounding 2024 UQ showcase the potential for oversights in our monitoring capabilities. Despite this event being minor in scale, it emphasizes the importance of continued investment in space surveillance systems, as well as international collaboration in tracking potential hazards lurking in the vast expanse of space.

@stmblog

🚀 Just hours after detection, asteroid 2024 UQ hit Earth! Measuring just 3 feet, it posed little risk. A reminder of the cosmos’ unpredictability! 🌌 ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews

As we look forward, this close encounter reaffirms the need for vigilance in our exploration and observation of the cosmos. Each NEO presents an opportunity for learning and growth in our understanding of near-Earth dynamics. While 2024 UQ may have come and gone without incident, it certainly sparks curiosity about what lies ahead in our ongoing quest to safeguard our planet from the skies.

Reference Links:

Space.com: https://www.space.com/the-universe/asteroids/asteroid-that-hit-earth-hours-after-being-detected-was-3rd-imminent-impactor-of-2024

Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS): https://fallingstar.com/

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The Danger from Asteroid Impact: https://fallingstar.com/danger.php

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Science

Sceye Partners with NASA and USGS to Address Climate Change from the Stratosphere

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Strategic collaborations above 60,000 feet unlocks new potential for traffic and climate management, earth observation and imaging, methane, storm, and wildfire detection, and more

ROSWELL, N.M. /PRNewswire/ — Sceye, a leading U.S. aerospace company specializing in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), announced a cooperating research and development agreement with United States Geological Survey (USGS) and a Space Act agreement with NASA. The purpose of these agreements is to enhance climate and environmental imaging, monitoring, and data collection from the stratosphere. This partnership builds on Sceye’s successful 2024 flight program, which concluded with a milestone launch on October 24, 2024, demonstrating the platform’s readiness for commercialization and long-duration missions in 2025.

Sceye launch October 2024
Sceye launch October 2024

This collaboration positions Sceye’s HAPS technology as a critical partner in providing precise earth observation and lifting multi-mission payloads. Using advanced hyperspectral imaging, Sceye will help NASA and USGS detect methane “super emitters,” monitor wildfire activity, storms, earthquakes, and other extreme weather events. The partnership will help track essential environmental data and metrics in real-time and also positions Sceye to support NASA and USGS in expanding the range of climate data collection and in strengthening forecasting models.

“Our partnership with NASA and USGS is built on the potential of HAPS to stay over an area of operation for long periods of time. In contrast to satellites, HAPS can do that below orbital altitude, thereby offering a unique vantage point to address climate change and better prepare for extreme weather events,” said Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO and Founder of Sceye. “We are unlocking the stratosphere as the next frontier to make important scientific advancements that will help communities across the world.”

With climate change accelerating and methane emissions at record levels, Sceye’s HAPS technology offers a solution to precisely detect emissions down to the pixel. Sceye is also collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environmental Department on a five-year program to detect methane emissions across the state. Sceye’s last flight of the year demonstrates the platform’s operational readiness by capturing essential data through onboard infrared cameras.

Sceye’s HAPS are powered by solar energy captured during daylight and stored in batteries to operate throughout the night. This enables continuous flight above 60,000 feet, where few technologies can operate effectively.

“HAPS are a gamechanger for the scientific community because they can linger over events, take high resolution data continuously in real time, and give a more accurate understanding of what may happen before, during, and after an event,” said Jonathan Stock, Director, USGS National Innovation Center.

The final launch of Sceye’s 2024 flight program completed a successful flight year and the full characterization of the vehicle, including achieving the important milestones of controlled relocation, full diurnal flight, and the ability to stay over an area of operation for long periods of time.

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With a focus on commercialization and endurance in 2025, Sceye will transition to testing the platform’s capacity to sustain long-duration “seasonal flights.” These missions will enable continuous monitoring during critical periods like wildfire season, supporting rapid response efforts with near real-time data on evolving threats.

Following a successful Series C round that raised the company’s pre-money valuation to $525 million, Sceye is advancing its mission to create world-changing solutions.

About Sceye

Founded in 2014, Sceye is an aerospace company dedicated to advancing stratospheric technology to connect people and protect the planet. Sceye leads the High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) industry, focusing on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention.

SOURCE Sceye

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Space and Tech

NASA Set for SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Station Relocation

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SpaceX Crew-9
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov approaches the International Space Station as it orbits 259 miles above Oregon. Credit: NASA

SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Update

NASA is gearing up for an exciting event as it prepares for the relocation of its SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, November 3rd. This carefully coordinated maneuver is essential for making way for the upcoming arrival of the 31st commercial resupply services mission, ensuring that the ISS continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.

The live coverage of this significant event will kick off at 6:15 a.m. EST and can be viewed on NASA+, concluding shortly after the docking process is complete. For those interested in following along, NASA offers various platforms, including social media channels, to keep the public engaged and informed about the latest space developments.

On the morning of November 3rd, the crew comprising NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will undock the Crew-9 Dragon from the forward-facing port of the Harmony module at 6:35 a.m. and execute a redocking maneuver to the module’s space-facing port at 7:18 a.m. This relocation marks the fifth time a Dragon spacecraft carrying crew has been moved, following similar missions during Crew-1, Crew-2, Crew-6, and Crew-8.

The move will be supported by flight controllers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Mission Control team at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. This collaboration underscores the strength of partnerships in advancing human spaceflight initiatives.

After the relocation, Harmony’s forward-facing port will be available for a Dragon cargo spacecraft mission set to launch no earlier than Monday, November 4th, reaffirming the ongoing efforts to maintain a steady rhythm of missions to the ISS.

For avid space enthusiasts eager to learn more about the operations aboard the ISS, NASA encourages following their social media accounts, including @space_station and @ISS_Research, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages dedicated to the ISS.

The Crew-9 mission, which launched on September 28 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked the following day, represents SpaceX’s ninth rotational crew mission as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Crew-9 team is scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, continuing its vital work aboard the ISS to conduct research and experiments that benefit life on Earth and beyond.

Get ready to witness this remarkable display of human ingenuity and collaboration as NASA and SpaceX continue to push the boundaries of exploration and science in space!

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Find NASA’s commercial crew blog and more information about the Crew-9 mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

Author

  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts


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