NASA is seeking U.S. companies to partner in delivering the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) to the moon, after canceling the mission last year due to rising costs and delays.

Under the new plan, NASA will provide the rover, while the selected company will be responsible for launching, landing, and operating VIPER.

The mission, which aims to prospect for water ice at the lunar south pole, offers companies a chance to demonstrate their lunar landing capabilities, Space News has reported.

Proposals are due by March 3, with a final company selection expected by early June.

Written by B.C. Begley