NASA plans to determine the next steps for its canceled VIPER lunar rover mission by early 2025.

The rover, originally set to launch in 2025 on Astrobotic’s Griffin lander, was canceled in July due to concerns over cost overruns and delays.

Following this, NASA issued a request for information (RFI) in August, receiving around 11 responses, some of which proposed using the rover’s components for other missions.

NASA is currently reviewing these responses and exploring potential partnerships.

Meanwhile, VIPER is expected to be stored at the Johnson Space Center in early 2024, Space News has reported.

There is also the possibility of Congress directing NASA to revive the mission in a 2025 spending bill.

Written by B.C. Begley