NASA announced Wednesday that it is canceling the Viper rover mission due to cost overruns and launch delays.

Originally scheduled for late 2023, the mission faced setbacks from increased expenses and additional testing, impacting other projects.

The rover was intended to explore the moon’s south pole, with about $450 million already invested. NASA will pursue lunar ice studies through other initiatives, the Associated Press has reported.

Despite this, Astrobotic Technology will proceed with launching its Griffin moon lander by the end of next year, following a failed attempt in January.

Written by B.C. Begley