The mast is an essential component of VIPER’s route planning and waypoint driving, designed to maximize the science return while keeping the rover in good working condition throughout its approximately 100-day mission. By using satellite images from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a team at NASA’s Ames Research Center examines two-week routes, or traverses, during which the rover will drive safely and efficiently to spots where it can prospect for ice and then reach a “safe haven” in time.
Addressing Critical Questions
The mast is instrumental in addressing two critical questions: where water is likely to be found and how to keep the rover’s solar-powered batteries charged. By analyzing maps showing observed hydrogen concentration, VIPER can explore and compare terrain that is more or less likely to hold water.