NASA's VIPER lunar rover mission, initially slated for 2023, faced multiple delays and was ultimately canceled in July 2024 due to scheduling conflicts and supply chain issues. After initially seeking a private sector partnership to launch VIPER, NASA has now canceled that solicitation and will explore alternative options to deploy the rover, currently in storage. The agency has already invested $450 million in VIPER's development and intends to pursue future options at no additional cost.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.