Science
NASA plans nuclear-powered PROMISE rover launch to Moon in 2028
The 18-month mission would reach the lunar south pole on a Blue Origin lander under a $94 million base contract.
The short version
- NASA says it is moving forward with PROMISE, a rover modeled on Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- The rover is targeted for launch in late 2028 on an 18-month mission to the lunar south pole.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- The rover would be nuclear-powered, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage it and build it from spare flight components and test models.[NASA News]
- The late 2028 date remains a target, and the additional $140 million depends on performance, so schedule and cost are unconfirmed.[NASA News · Scientific American]
Key facts
- NASA is moving forward with development of the PROMISE rover, which is modeled on the Mars rovers Perseverance and Curiosity.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- NASA is targeting a late 2028 launch for PROMISE, with an 18-month primary mission.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- NASA awarded Blue Origin a $94 million base contract, with a performance-based option worth an additional $140 million, to deliver PROMISE to the lunar south pole.[NASA News]
- The PROMISE rover is described as nuclear-powered, allowing it to operate during long lunar nights and within permanently shadowed regions.[NASA News]
- NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will manage the mission and build the rover from spare flight components and engineering test models for the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers.[NASA News]
What remains uncertain
- The late 2028 launch is a target, not a confirmed schedule.[NASA News · Scientific American]
- Whether the $140 million performance-based option will be exercised is not established by the reporting.[NASA News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.