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NASA PROMISE lunar exploration mission proposal

Overview

NASA has proposed a new lunar exploration mission titled PROMISE (Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration). The mission concept involves repurposing a hybrid engineering model—previously known as OPTIMISM—based on the designs of the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rovers.

A central component of the PROMISE rover is the use of a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) powered by plutonium. This power source enables the rover to operate during the lunar night and within permanently shadowed regions without relying on sunlight. The mission's primary objectives include investigating surface characteristics and water ice deposits at the lunar south pole to support long-term human presence and a sustainable lunar economy.

Entities

NASA · Promise · Perseverance · Jezero crater · Moon

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    NASA explores Mars with Perseverance and proposes lunar PROMISE mission

    NASA's Perseverance rover continues its Mars exploration while a new proposal, PROMISE, aims to send a modified rover version to the Moon's south pole to study water ice and surface conditions.

  2. 14 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    NASA introduces PROMISE rover for lunar south pole exploration

    NASA has introduced PROMISE, a lunar rover designed to explore the Moon's south pole using radioisotope power to operate in permanent shadow and survive lunar nights.

Sources

blog.nss.org · logicno.com · sarajevo-x.com · tuttotech.net