Q. Consider the following statements regarding Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) Mission
1. It will be the resource mapping mission on Martian Terrain
2. The Mission will be launched by NASA in 2023.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B
Notes:

NASA has announced the launch of the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover(VIPER) Mission in 2023.  

About VIPER Mission:  

  • VIPER Mission is a mobile robot to be launched by NASA in the year 2023.  
  • It will be the first resource mapping mission on any other celestial body.  
  • Celestial Body is any natural body outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Easy examples are the Moon, Sun, and the other planets of our solar system.  

Objectives of the Mission:  

  • To get a closer view of the Moon’s South Pole   
  • To evaluate the concentration of water as well as other potential resources on its surface  
  • To understand if it is possible for human life to sustain there, by using locally available resources. 

Read more:  Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover(VIPER) Mission