NASA considers sending Perseverance rover model to the Moon

Possible Mission for the Engineering Model

NASA officials are seriously considering sending the 'Promise' rover to the Moon as part of their efforts to explore the south pole region. This full-scale engineering model was not initially planned for a launch but has been suggested to expedite lunar exploration.

Nuclear Power for Lunar Operations

Unlike previous rovers that primarily rely on solar power, Promise would be equipped with a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG). This power source allows for operations during the lunar night, a significant advantage for exploring areas with low sunlight.

Logistical Considerations

The potential mission suggests delivering the roughly 1-ton rover via Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander or SpaceX's Starship. Current discussions within NASA indicate excitement about leveraging existing hardware to enhance lunar mission capabilities.

Historical Role as a Test Bed

Promise has served as a test bed for the Perseverance rover, ensuring operational commands and traversing technologies are effective. Its previous role highlights its value in practical tests, making its current potential lunar mission noteworthy for the agency.