Model of the VIPER (Virtual Intelligent Planetary Exploration Rover) being tested for mobility in the Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory at NASAs Glenn Research Center. About the size of a golf cart, VIPER is a mobile robot that will land at the South Pole of the Moon in late 2024 on a 100-day mission. It will roam around the Moons South Pole looking for water ice and other potential resources in the region. The large, adjustable soil bin contains a lunar simulant and allows engineers to mimic the Moons terrain. Test data will be used to evaluate the traction of the vehicle and wheels, determine the power requirements for a variety of manoeuvres and compare methods of traversing steep slopes. Respirators are worn by researchers to protect against the airborne silica that is present during testing.