WASHINGTON / RankWire.AI / – NASA has shared updates on both crewed and robotic rovers planned for lunar exploration as part of preparations for a permanent presence on the Moon. On Tuesday, October 20, the agency released a Moon Base video update, detailing advancements in science rovers and transport vehicles designed for astronauts. Robert Pickle, head of the Surface Mobility Office within the Moon Base Program, emphasized that lunar rovers are fundamental to NASA’s surface mobility plans.
The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, known as VIPER, is slated for deployment to the Moon’s South Pole region in 2027. Its mission is to examine permanently shadowed craters to identify water and other resources beneficial for future crews. The rover will be delivered to the surface aboard a Blue Origin Blue Moon Mark 1 lander. VIPER is anticipated to traverse more than 30 kilometers, collecting data on temperature, illumination, and terrain features.
Currently, VIPER is fully assembled at Johnson Space Center in Houston and is undergoing final testing phases. Once completed, it will be transported to Kennedy Space Center in Florida for launch. During its planned 100-day operation, engineers at Ames Research Center in California will oversee VIPER’s activities. Blue Origin secured the delivery contract in September 2025 through a Commercial Lunar Payload Services task order, valued at up to $190 million.
Astrolab and Lunar Outpost develop crew transportation vehicles
NASA has issued task orders to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to create lunar terrain vehicles capable of carrying astronauts, transporting equipment, and collecting samples. Astrolab is developing its CLV-1, based on the company’s FLEX platform. Meanwhile, Lunar Outpost is working on Pegasus, a lighter, two-astronaut version of its Eagle rover. Both companies aim to deliver operational vehicles to NASA by late 2027, with Blue Origin holding a task order to land these vehicles at the South Pole by 2028.
These rovers will be positioned on the Moon before crewed Artemis missions commence. Earth-based controllers will be able to operate them remotely, enabling coverage of up to 6 kilometers daily for surface mapping. A single battery charge will support trips of up to 10 kilometers. Each rover can accommodate up to three moonwalks per Artemis mission and carry up to 80 kilograms of samples and tools. They are designed to endure temperatures as low as minus 203 degrees Celsius in permanently shadowed regions.
Prototypes and precursor missions progress
Lunar Outpost is preparing for its preliminary design review in October, while Astrolab expects its review to take place by the end of December. Astrolab has already delivered a CLV-1 mockup to Axiom Space for astronaut evaluation. Lunar Outpost has completed two mockups and sent a third static model to Johnson Space Center. Additionally, Astrolab’s FLIP rover is scheduled to fly on Griffin Mission One in late 2026, and a second Lunar Outpost MAPP rover is set for launch early in 2027.
This work on lunar rovers follows NASA’s return to crewed lunar missions with the Artemis II mission in April. Blue Origin plans to launch its Blue Moon landers aboard the New Glenn rocket. NASA has stated that these terrain vehicles will enable astronauts to access geologically diverse regions of the Moon. Data collected by VIPER will assist in identifying locations with accessible water ice for future crews. The combined efforts of robotic and crewed rovers aim to establish a sustainable human presence at the lunar South Pole.