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NASA has awarded Blue Origin a contract to deliver the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) to the Moon's south pole, reviving a mission previously canceled due to rising costs. Initially planned for 2023, VIPER aims to search for water ice and other resources critical for future lunar exploration.

The new timeline targets a launch in late 2027 aboard Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 lander. This partnership reflects NASA's strategy to leverage private sector capabilities while ensuring a sustainable human presence on the Moon.