'PROMISE' me the moon? NASA wants to send spare nuclear-powered Mars rover to the lunar surface

NASA is considering repurposing its 'PROMISE' test rover, originally built for Mars research, for a mission to the moon's south pole. The agency also announced new contracts with private companies to deliver scientific payloads as part of its lunar base initiative.
Why it matters
Repurposing existing engineering models for lunar exploration represents a cost-effective strategy for NASA's ongoing Artemis moon base program.
Solar System The moon 'PROMISE' me the moon? NASA wants to send spare nuclear-powered Mars rover to the lunar surface News By Josh Dinner published 30 June 2026 "We are in the business of the near impossible, so why not?"
Factual reporting on space agency announcements and mission planning.
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