The facts
NASA said it is moving forward with development of PROMISE, a six-wheeled, nuclear-powered rover intended for the Moon’s south pole. [1][2]
NASA is targeting a late-2028 launch and planning an 18-month rover mission; the mission remains prospective. [1]
NASA awarded Blue Origin a $94 million base contract and an option period worth an additional $140 million based on performance to deliver the rover using its Mark 1 lander. [1]
NASA says PROMISE will characterize the surface and subsurface and assess resource potential; no launch or lunar demonstration has occurred. [1][2]
Still unconfirmed
- The eventual launch date and mission outcome remain uncertain; NASA has announced a target, not a completed mission.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 8 Nov 2026, 05:49 UTC.
- NASA Awards Moon Base Transportation, Technology, Science Projects
NASA · Primary source · 7 Nov 2026
Opened NASA’s 7 November release. It details the PROMISE development, late-2028 target, 18-month plan and Blue Origin contract value and performance option.
- NASA to send nuclear-powered rover to Moon in 2028
APA · Reporting · 8 Nov 2026
Opened APA’s regional report corroborating NASA’s late-2028 PROMISE mission target and planned 18-month duration.