NASA is preparing a nuclear-powered rover to examine the Moon’s south polar surface and subsurface. The agency’s November 7 announcement targets a late-2028 launch for PROMISE and an 18-month mission. A drill would sample material about one metre below the surface, alongside instruments measuring composition, temperature and radiation.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory would manage and build the six-wheeled vehicle using spare flight components and engineering test hardware from Mars rover programmes. NASA says the power system would support operation through long lunar nights and in permanently shadowed terrain. These are planned capabilities, rather than results from a rover already operating on the Moon.

The announcement also selects eight companies for a new ten-year lunar-delivery framework with a combined maximum contract value of $10 billion. Selection makes them eligible to compete for future deliveries; the ceiling is not a payment to each company. For PROMISE delivery, Blue Origin receives a $94 million base contract with a further $140 million performance-dependent option.