NASA is seriously considering repurposing 'Promise,' a full-scale engineering model of the Perseverance Mars rover, for a mission to the Moon's south pole. Equipped with a nuclear-powered Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), this rover would overcome the challenge of surviving the lunar night, offering unprecedented mobility compared to solar-powered alternatives.
Background
NASA aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon through the Artemis program, focusing heavily on exploring the resource-rich south pole region. Current lunar missions face significant thermal challenges during the long lunar nights, driving interest in alternative power sources.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 1, 2026 at 04:50 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10