Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Wins Contract to Take NASA Rover to the Moon

NASA has awarded Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, a $190 million contract through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to potentially deliver the VIPER lunar rover to the Moon’s south pole. However, this award is contingent on Blue Origin demonstrating its capability to successfully land its Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander on the Moon by the end of 2025, carrying a NASA technology payload. The contract includes an option for Blue Origin to deliver and deploy the VIPER rover, which NASA will decide on after reviewing the success of the initial Blue Moon MK1 mission. The VIPER rover, designed to explore lunar ice and other resources, is about 2.5 meters tall, weighs nearly 500 kilograms, and is equipped with a drill and scientific instruments. Originally scheduled for launch in 2023, the mission has faced delays and cost increases, leading NASA to seek private partnerships to reduce expenses and focus on scientific objectives. Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK1 lander will