Viper Science Operations: Optimizing Lunar Exploration Return Through Real-Time Science Decisioning Systems

The NASA Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) is intending to land on Mons Mouton in the Nobile region of the Lunar South Pole (LSP). The primary objective of the VIPER mission is to study the composition and distribution of hydrogen-bearing and other volatiles by way of a complementary suite of payloads that the rover will carry to the Moon [1,2]. VIPER Science Operations are prepared to enable the characterization of the distribution (lateral and vertical extent, concentration, variability), form (chemical/physical state of these reservoirs of lunar water and key iso-topes), and context (e.g., accessibility/overburden, environment, soil mechanics, trafficability, and temperatures) of lunar polar volatiles and water content. Furthermore, VIPER Science Operations have been designed to enable real-time exploration-science decisioning and are integrated into the Mission Operations System to meet the unique operational paradigm of the LSP.

Previous lunar orbital missions have worked to operational timescales, e.g., decisional timelines and communication exchanges, that were weeks in duration. Mars rover missions have worked to operational timescales, e.g., decisional timelines and communication exchanges between Mars and Earth, that were hours, days, and weeks in length {5}. In the case of the VIPER mission, our operational decisioning for rover driving and instrument commanding will be compressed to minute-scale timeframes. These operational conditions directly impact the workflow and speed with which Science Operations must be conducted.

VIPER’s Science Operations team has constructed an integrated workflow and established tools and capabilities to synthesize and analyze data and produce timely science-driven decisions throughout surface mission operations. The VIPER Science Team (VST) roles are located in the VIPER Mission Science Center (MSC) and the Mission Operations Center (MOC) in order to provide mission-enhancing scientific input to guide traverse planning and drill site confirmation/selection throughout surface operations. VST input is of vital importance to the mission’s ability to maximize science return and to meet broader objectives for future lunar ISRU and exploration activities. Specifically, co-locating the VST with and integrating their roles within overall mission operations in the MSC and MOC will provide science-driven, consensus-based, timely input and decision-making to enhance mission operations and align mission science return with broader exploration goals.

These details and other elements of the VIPER Science Operations architecture will be reviewed in this presentation.