NASA proposes sending a repurposed Mars rover test model to the Moon as PROMISE

Repurposing Mars Rover Test Models for Lunar Exploration

NASA has proposed a new mission to send a rover named PROMISE (Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping and In-Situ Exploration) to the lunar surface. This rover will be constructed from the engineering test models of the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rovers, which were originally built for testing features and updates for the Martian vehicles on Earth. The initiative seeks to repurpose existing hardware for new scientific objectives.

PROMISE's Design and Mission

PROMISE is described as a "hybrid" of the engineering versions of the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers. The Perseverance test model was previously known as OPTIMISM (Operational Perseverance Twin for Integration of Mechanisms and Instruments Sent to Mars). NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the project leverages taxpayer investment in existing hardware to bring significant capability to the lunar south pole quickly.

Exploring the Lunar South Pole

The primary objective for PROMISE is to scout the lunar south pole, an area of interest for future lunar bases due to the presence of water ice. The rover will characterize the lunar surface and subsurface. This exploration is crucial for understanding the resources available for long-term human presence on the Moon.

Powering Lunar Operations

PROMISE will be equipped with a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG), which uses plutonium to generate electricity from heat. This power source eliminates the need for solar illumination, allowing the rover to operate continuously and explore any area of the Moon, including during the lunar night. This capability is vital for sustained exploration in challenging lunar environments.