NASA Tests Rover Prototype After Announcing Launch Delay

During a lunar terrain test, NASA's Volatiles Investigating polar Exploration Rover prototype got put through its paces.

After NASA said it needed an extra year to test the Moon lander with the rover, Tuesday's press release showed footage of the vehicle. Astrobotic was contracted by the space agency to make a landers.

NASA has tasked US companies to perform a very challenging technological feat - to successfully land and operate on the Moon. Enhanced lander testing has been implemented for the largest and most sophisticated science payload to be delivered to the moon.

The landers are going to travel to the moon on a rocket.

Rocky Rover

It's easier to understand why NASA wanted to double down on Astrobotic's testing when you see how difficult the lunar South Pole's terrain will be. NASA calls the "sink tank" and the "tilt bed" obstacles in the video footage.

Tesmanian reported earlier today that an additional $67.8 million will be added to Astrobotic's contract, bringing it to $320.4 million.

It would be cool to find ice and water on the moon, but it would take quite a bit of money.

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