The POT has unveiled its latest rover, VIPERdestined to explore the south pole of the moona region in which perpetual darkness prevails and a large amount of ice is found.
As it explains computer todayThis mission represents one of the most dangerous challenges the space agency has ever faced, so rigorous testing is underway to ensure its success.
In 2024, the VIPER rover will land at the lunar south pole, a terrain riddled with craters and plunged into eternal darkness. Leaving nothing to chance, this mission has as its main objective search for and analyze frozen water, vital for the establishment of a future lunar colony.
Unlike missions to the Moon and Mars, which typically opt for flat, rovers-safe terrain, VIPER will venture into the Nobile crater, a region bombarded by meteorites and characterized by its irregular topography. In addition, this crater presents areas that have not been reached by light for billions of years, which adds an additional challenge.
The unique design of the VIPER
Given the complexity of the terrain, the rover has been uniquely designed. Unlike its Martian counterparts, such as the van-sized Perseverance, the VIPER will be more compact, similar to a golf cart, with a low ride height and a center of gravity to prevent rollover on the steep slopes of Nobile Crater. Also, unlike the Martian rover that has six wheels, the VIPER will have only four.
Another prominent feature of this mission is the landing system. While previous rovers have been deployed via parachute or airdropped from a landing pod, the VIPER will use a more classic method: a ramp.
The capsule carrying the rover will land directly on the Moon and deploy a ramp so the rover can descend safely. Current tests focus precisely on this aspect, simulating the descent down the ramp.