NASA keeps its PROMISE to raid Mars testbeds for parts
Cut-and-shut trundlebot with spiffy new paint job meant to be headed to the Moon in 2028
NASA is working on repurposing a Mars rover engineering model, called PROMISE, to become a lunar trundlebot for less than $400 million. The robot is constructed from parts used in the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers currently operating on Mars. During a recent briefing, NASA detailed the plan for PROMISE to land on the Moon's surface by late 2028 and conduct an 18-month mission.
Prior to PROMISE's arrival, NASA's VIPER trundlebot will explore the Moon for only 100 days. PROMISE will carry replicated VIPER science instruments, including a drill for digging up to 1 meter into the lunar soil. The robot will be powered by an RTG from the Cassini mission, launched in 1997. Blue Origin is tasked with depositing the rover on the Moon's South Pole.
NASA awarded the company a $94 million base contract, with an additional $140 million option period based on performance. While the exact cost of the PROMISE mission is unclear, NASA claims it has reached a firm agreement with JPL to deliver the rover to the lunar surface for under $400 million.
Written by urgent.news from The Register's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- NASA keeps its PROMISE to raid Mars testbeds for parts theregister.com
