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NASA to send nuclear-powered rover to Moon in 2028

08 November 2026 06:36 (UTC +04:00)

NASA plans to send a nuclear-powered research rover called "Promise" to the lunar surface by the end of 2028, APA reports.

NASA's Associate Administrator for Science, Nicky Fox, announced the plans during a press conference in Florida.

According to Fox, the rover's primary mission will be to study conditions on the lunar surface and collect data to ensure the safety of astronauts during future missions.

"We are sending our most valuable resource — our astronauts — to the lunar surface. Therefore, we need data to make sure they can survive in areas where humans have never set foot before. That is why I am so excited about NASA's Promise rover. It will land on the Moon by the end of 2028 and carry out an 18-month mission," Fox said.

According to NASA, the rover will be powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator, which converts heat produced by radioactive decay into electricity.

The design of the rover will also incorporate elements of the Curiosity rover currently operating on Mars.

Promise will be equipped with various scientific instruments, including a spectrometer to determine the chemical composition of the lunar surface.

It should be noted that NASA plans to land astronauts on the Moon in 2028 as part of the Artemis IV mission.

In 2027, astronauts are expected to be sent into Earth orbit as part of the Artemis III mission.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed during a November 7 press conference that the schedule for the Artemis III mission remains unchanged.