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NASA eyes moon for spare Mars rover
1 Jul
Summary
- A spare engineering test rover named PROMISE may go to the moon.
- PROMISE, built for Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance, could explore lunar craters.
- NASA awarded contracts for four new robotic lunar landers in late 2028.
NASA is exploring the possibility of repurposing a spare rover, PROMISE, for lunar exploration as part of its moon base initiatives. This rover, an engineering test model for the Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance, could be dispatched to the lunar south pole.
PROMISE, powered by plutonium similar to its Mars counterparts, would be capable of operating through the extreme cold and darkness of lunar nights. This feature is crucial for exploring shadowed craters near the moon's south pole, areas inaccessible to solar-powered missions.
In related developments, NASA has awarded contracts for four robotic landers to reach the moon by late 2028. These landers will carry scientific instruments and technology demonstrations, building upon previous commercial lander missions with varied success.
The contracts were awarded to Astrobotic Technology, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace, companies previously engaged by NASA for lunar missions. These new contracts aim to enhance lunar surface capabilities and scientific research.
