On the VIPER mission, lessons for India

In July 2023, NASA announced the cancellation of its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission to the Moon, which was designed to explore lunar polar regions for water ice and other volatiles.The cancellation of VIPER is particularly concerning as it reflects missed opportunities for commercial benefits and geopolitical influence in the increasingly competitive landscape of lunar exploration.

General Details

• VIPER was scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and land using Astrobotic’s ‘Griffin’ lander, both managed through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
• The mission aimed to enhance scientific understanding of the Moon and contribute to future human exploration initiatives. 
• Through CLPS, NASA collaborates closely with private companies to foster innovation and efficiency in lunar exploration.

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Purpose of the VIPER Mission

The primary purpose of NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission was to detect water ice on the Moon. This crucial endeavour aimed to identify and analyse the presence of water ice in the lunar polar regions, which could provide valuable insights into the Moon’s geology and its potential for supporting future human missions.

Reason for Cancellation

NASA’s decision to cancel the VIPER mission stemmed from significant cost overruns and delays, raising concerns within the scientific community. Many scientists expressed disappointment, especially since the assembly of the rover was nearly complete. Additionally, the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology was caught off guard by the cancellation, particularly given the ongoing competition with China in lunar exploration. The cancellation of such an important project during this critical period is being seen as a concern worldwide.

Historical Context

Since the 1960s, a competitive race has existed between the USSR and the U.S. regarding lunar exploration, with both nations reaping substantial commercial and geopolitical benefits from their efforts. Reaching the Moon first carries significant advantages, including:

• Commercial Gains: The potential for space tourism, which could become a lucrative industry, as well as access to critical lunar minerals, such as helium-3, which has been identified as a promising energy resource.
• Geopolitical Advantages: The nation that successfully establishes a sustainable presence on the Moon would likely enhance its soft power and influence globally. This presence could facilitate cooperation with other states and establish the nation as a leader in international space exploration initiatives

The Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords are a set of international agreements established by NASA in 2020 to promote cooperation in the exploration and utilisation of outer space, particularly focusing on the Moon and Mars. Named after NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars, the Accords provide a framework for space exploration grounded in shared principles and norms.

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Key Principles

• Peaceful Exploration: The Accords emphasise that space exploration should be conducted for peaceful purposes. Signatory nations are encouraged to work together collaboratively and to respect the rights of others in their space endeavours.
• Transparency: Countries that sign the Accords commit to sharing information about their space activities, fostering transparency and trust among participants.
• Emergency Assistance: The Accords encourage signatories to assist each other during emergencies, ensuring the safety of astronauts and equipment during missions.

While the Artemis Accords promote collaboration, there is a perception that they function as a U.S.-led coalition against the China and Russia axis. This perception is particularly relevant in light of the increasing competition in space exploration, as both China and Russia have their own lunar ambitions. The VIPER mission was considered a critical component of the U.S.-led lunar axis defined by the Artemis Accords, further strengthening alliances among participating nations, including India.

Implications for India

• India missed a significant opportunity when, on September 18, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to begin the second phase of the country’s lunar program with Chandrayaan-4. This mission aims to go to the Moon, collect samples, and return them to Earth.
• One possibility could have been for Chandrayaan-4 to incorporate the objectives of the cancelled VIPER mission, allowing India to showcase its capabilities in lunar exploration. By taking on tasks such as prospecting for large water-ice deposits, ISRO would have positioned itself as a key player in lunar research and demonstrated its technological prowess on an international stage.

Other Lunar Missions by India

• In addition to Chandrayaan-4, India is planning the Lunar Polar Explorer Mission (Lupex) in collaboration with Japan. This mission aims to land a rover on the Moon to perform crucial tasks, such as exploring polar regions and conducting scientific research.
• ISRO could have sought the Cabinet’s approval to undertake many of the critical tasks that the VIPER mission was expected to perform, particularly the prospecting for large water-ice deposits. Unfortunately, this opportunity was not pursued, which could have strengthened India’s position in the competitive landscape of lunar exploration and enhanced its reputation as a leader in space technology.

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Challenges Faced by ISRO

In recent years, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides and established a strong reputation in space exploration. However, one pertinent challenge is ISRO’s inability to execute multiple flagship missions simultaneously. The organisation typically follows a “one major mission at a time” approach, which, while maximising resource efficiency, limits its ability to respond quickly to new opportunities. In contrast, countries like the United States and other major space-faring nations can undertake parallel missions to the Moon, Mars, the Sun, and beyond.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance ISRO’s capabilities and enable it to manage multiple projects concurrently, several steps can be taken:

• Increased Funding: The government should provide ISRO with more substantial funding to support its ambitious goals. This funding would facilitate the development of multiple missions at once and ensure the agency can stay competitive on the global stage.
• Expansion of Human Resources: ISRO needs to recruit more scientists and engineers. Increasing the workforce would help distribute the workload across various projects and allow for more specialised teams to tackle different challenges simultaneously.
• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing existing facilities and building new infrastructure is crucial for supporting parallel projects. Investments in laboratories, testing facilities, and launch capabilities will enable ISRO to scale its operations effectively.
• Collaborations with Other Nations: Engaging in more international collaborations can provide access to advanced technologies and expertise. By partnering with other countries, ISRO can leverage shared knowledge and resources to accelerate its projects.
• Capacity Building: If India aspires to become a world leader in space technology, it must focus on capacity building within ISRO. This involves not only expanding the workforce but also investing in training and development programs to cultivate a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of managing multiple missions.

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Conclusion

To position itself as a dominant player in the global space arena, ISRO must adapt its operational strategy to allow for the simultaneous execution of various projects. By increasing funding, expanding its workforce, enhancing infrastructure, fostering international collaborations, and focusing on capacity building, India can strengthen its space exploration initiatives and achieve its ambitions in this critical field.

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