Among the new generation of lunar probes, it is impossible not to mention the VIPER frozen water search device of the American space agency (NASA).
VIPER Construction has now begun and is expected to land at the Moon’s south pole in 2024, as part of a mission to search for frozen water. Equipped with a suite of scientific tools, the instrument will collect and analyze samples and map the distribution of frozen water on the surface, laying the foundation for long-term lunar exploration efforts.
VƖPER Project Manager Dan Andrews said: “VIPER follows in the footsteps of NASA’s 2009 LCROSS mission, the first to find frozen water in the lunar poles. Since this discovery, many missions have been planned to better understand the nature and distribution of frozen water, in support of scientific and exploratory objectives, such as establishing a human presence on the Moon.
“In-situ resource extraction will allow humans to live on the surface of the Moon, as well as create air to breathe, water to drink, grow crops and produce, and even generate hydrogen for rocket fuel.”Mr. Andrews added.
Original VIPER being tested
ƝThe original VIPER is being tested – (Photo: ASASA).
Adapt to conditions
VƖPER is as big as a golf cart and weighs 430 kg. The device is equipped with 3 spectrometers measuring volatile substances and a 1 meter long drill to carry out the excavation work.
ASA hopes the data collected by VIPER will help shape future missions. According to Mr. Andrews: “Knowing where a resource such as frozen water is and the conditions there has direct implications for the next round of water-gathering missions. Also find out how volatile matter mining could be linked to related activities on Mars. Mars and the Moon are two different places, but some knowledge of the Moon will be useful for future Mars volatile collection missions.”
In terms of design and capabilities, VƖPER outperforms other instruments by adapting to lunar polar conditions.
One of the big obstacles encountered by the VƖPER project was light at the poles. Here the Sun is very low on the horizon and the shadow on the Moon’s surface is very long, so the solar panel is moved to the side of the rover instead of the top. Additionally, 4 wheels allow VIPER to move in all directions while keeping the solar cell and communication system facing the Sun and Earth.
The suspension also helps VIPER shift its center of gravity to navigate in unstable conditions and environments.
VIPER is not alone
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is developing a new exploration device to replace the Rashid which disappeared in late April after.
India is expected to deploy the Chandrayaan-3 exploration device in July this year.
A team of engineers from Elft University of Technology (Netherlands) is looking to build a team of micro-explorers to work together on data collection.
The Space Instrumentation Laboratory of the Universidad Nacional Butonoma de Mexico has a similar project.
ϹSTELLS SPACE start-up in Canada develops self-propelled equipment “portable charger” to provide solar power to the stranded rover…
Article Source: 1thegioi
If anything is wrong with NASA’s new instrument on the Moon’s water search mission, please contact us so we can fix it.
Keyword:
Among the new generation of lunar probes, it is impossible not to mention the VIPER frozen water search device of the American space agency (NASA).
