NASA said it will develop the nuclear-powered PROMISE rover as part of new Moon Base awards announced on November 7, 2026. The agency shared the plans at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
NASA’s mission overview says the vehicle will scout the Moon’s South Pole and search for resources beneath its surface. The data would help teams choose where to place equipment for future crews.
PROMISE rover will explore sunless terrain
PROMISE stands for Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration. According to NASA, its nuclear power source will let it work through lunar nights and in areas that stay in shadow. Scientists think some of those cold regions may hold ice.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will build the rover using hardware from the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars programs. NASA says the body and driving system will come from Curiosity’s test rover on Earth. Its electronics will come from that rover too. Other spare and test parts will also go into the vehicle.
NASA lists a drill and tools to study soil below the surface. Other sensors will look for signs of water, measure temperatures and track radiation that could pose risks to astronauts. However, these are planned tests; the mission has yet to reach the Moon.
Delivery awards and a larger cargo pool
NASA selected Blue Origin’s Mark 1 lander to carry the PROMISE rover. Its wider announcement also covers cargo services and transport between Earth and the Moon. The figures below distinguish awarded work from an optional extension and a contract ceiling.
| Work | Value (USD) | What the amount means |
|---|---|---|
| PROMISE delivery | $94 million | Blue Origin base contract |
| PROMISE delivery option | $140 million | Additional amount tied to performance |
| Lunar cargo services | $10 billion | Combined ceiling over 10 years; eight eligible companies |
| Launch and orbital transport | About $1.3 billion | Six task orders |
Source: NASA
Data as of: 2026-11-07
Base awards, conditional options and contract ceilings represent different commitments.
How the rover fits into Moon Base
NASA had already outlined a series of robotic deliveries in May 2026. Those plans included vehicles from Astrolab and Lunar Outpost for astronauts to drive. NASA also selected Firefly Aerospace to build the craft that will take its MoonFall scouting drones to the Moon.
In that earlier outline, NASA said robotic missions would gather data and reduce risks before crewed surface work. Its separate Artemis plan puts an orbital docking test before a lunar landing. The PROMISE rover adds a search for resources to that broader effort.
NASA aims to launch PROMISE in late 2028 for an 18-month mission. The agency also expects to seek proposals for fully integrated lunar power systems in early 2027.
Sources: NASA awards, NASA rover overview, NASA earlier mission plans
