NASA Offers Opportunity to Have Names Included on VIPER Moon Rover
NASA is giving people the chance to make their mark on the moon by including their names on its VIPER rover. Set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket in late 2024, the VIPER rover will explore the moon’s south pole, an area targeted by NASA for crewed bases in the future Artemis program.
The primary objective of the VIPER mission is to search for water ice and other essential resources on the lunar surface. This resource hunt is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable presence on the moon, as water can be used for drinking, air production, and rocket propellant.
To make this adventurous journey feel even more inclusive, NASA is encouraging the public to join by having their names accompany the VIPER rover as it traverses the lunar terrain. The invitation to include names on spacecraft is not a new practice for NASA, as millions of names have already been sent to and from lunar orbit on previous missions.
The deadline to submit names for inclusion on the VIPER rover is March 15. Participants can simply visit NASA’s website and complete a registration form to add their names to the list. Each participant will receive a digital certificate acknowledging their participation in this groundbreaking mission.
VIPER is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and will be transported by the Griffin robotic lander, developed by Astrobotic. Astrobotic is also preparing for the inaugural mission of its Peregrine lander, which will carry scientific instruments and private payloads, including cremains and human DNA.
However, not everyone is pleased with the idea of including human remains on the moon. The Navajo Nation has expressed concerns, considering it a desecration of a sacred space. This controversy highlights the need for careful consideration and cultural sensitivity in space exploration endeavors.
Despite the ongoing debate, the inclusion of names on spacecraft remains an exciting opportunity for space enthusiasts around the world. With the VIPER mission paving the way for future lunar bases, this initiative allows people to feel connected to the exploration of the moon in a unique and personal way.
Don’t miss out on this chance to leave your mark on space history. Visit NASA’s website now and be a part of the risky and rewarding journey of the VIPER rover.
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