Astrobotic’s Griffin lunar lander will now carry Astrolab’s FLIP rover to the moon’s south pole, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration after NASA’s VIPER mission cancellation. This mission aims to advance lunar science, technology demonstrations, and commercial activity on the moon.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Astrobotic’s Griffin lunar lander will carry Astrolab’s FLIP rover, replacing NASA’s canceled VIPER mission.
- FLIP (Flex Lunar Innovation Platform) is a versatile rover designed for lunar exploration and technology testing.
- The mission aims to advance U.S. technology demonstrations at the moon’s south pole.
- FLIP will gather data to support the development of Astrolab’s larger FLEX commercial vehicle.
- The launch is scheduled for late 2025, marking Astrobotic’s second lunar mission attempt.
Astrobotic Technology, a Pittsburgh-based aerospace company, has officially announced the replacement for NASA’s canceled VIPER rover mission. The company’s Griffin lunar lander, originally intended to transport the ice-hunting VIPER rover to the moon’s south pole, will now carry Astrolab’s FLIP (Flex Lunar Innovation Platform) rover. This mission, scheduled for late 2025, signifies a pivotal moment in lunar exploration and commercial activity.
The VIPER program was terminated by NASA in the summer of 2024, leaving a significant vacancy on the Griffin lander. After receiving global interest from numerous organizations, Astrobotic conducted a meticulous selection process to find the most suitable mission partner. According to John Thornton, Astrobotic’s founder and CEO, Astrolab’s vision for lunar science and exploration aligned perfectly with Griffin’s capabilities and mission objectives.
FLIP is a compact, four-wheeled robotic vehicle weighing approximately 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms) on Earth. It is capable of carrying up to 66 pounds (30 kilograms) of payload, designed to perform both independent exploration tasks and rigorous technology demonstrations. The rover will play a crucial role in testing components that will later be used in Astrolab’s larger FLEX (Flexible Logistics and Exploration) commercial vehicle, which is expected to land on the moon via a SpaceX Starship as early as late 2026.
Jaret Matthews, founder and CEO of Astrolab, emphasized the importance of this mission in gathering critical data. “By joining Griffin Mission One, we will gather key insights into how lunar rovers like FLIP and FLEX operate in real lunar conditions,” Matthews stated. The mission will evaluate essential technologies, including full-sized batteries, advanced tire designs, avionics systems, sensors, and software critical for future lunar operations.
Astrobotic’s Griffin mission will be the company’s second attempt at a lunar landing. Their first endeavor with the Peregrine lander in January 2024, although ambitious, ended prematurely due to a propulsion anomaly, causing the lander to crash back to Earth. Despite this setback, Astrobotic remains committed to its goal of supporting NASA’s Artemis program and expanding commercial activities on the moon.
Interestingly, NASA’s VIPER rover may still have a chance to reach the lunar surface. The agency recently issued a call for partnership proposals from private companies to facilitate VIPER’s science objectives near the moon’s south pole. This development suggests that while the VIPER program faced a temporary halt, its scientific goals remain a priority for NASA.
Astrobotic and Astrolab’s collaboration reflects a growing trend of private-public partnerships in space exploration. This mission not only underscores the resilience and adaptability of commercial space ventures but also highlights the dynamic evolution of lunar exploration strategies. As FLIP prepares for its journey, the mission promises to deliver groundbreaking insights that will shape the future of lunar science and technology.
