NASA plans to launch a six-wheeled promise lunar rover with a nuclear power source to the moon's south pole in late 2028, the US space agency reported. The assignment is for 18 months. "We are building a moon base mission by mission. When our astronauts return to the moon, the first elements of the lunar base will already be waiting for them on the surface," said the head of the department, Jared Isaacman. Promise (Polar In situ Observation, Mapping and Exploration Rover) will explore the surface and ground, assess potential resources and collect data to select future landing sites, the agency said. The nuclear power source will allow the vehicle to operate during long moonlit nights and in permanently shaded areas where ice is expected. Photo: Photo credit: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory RBC channel at "MAX".

NASA plans to launch a six-wheeled promise lunar rover with a nuclear power source to the moon's south pole in late 2028, the US space agency reported. The assignment is for 18 months. "We are building a moon base mission by mission. When our astronauts return to the moon, the first elements of the lunar base will already be waiting for them on the surface," said the head of the department, Jared Isaacman. Promise (Polar In situ Observation, Mapping and Exploration Rover) will explore the surface and ground, assess potential resources and collect data to select future landing sites, the agency said. The nuclear power source will allow the vehicle to operate during long moonlit nights and in permanently shaded areas where ice is expected. Photo: Photo credit: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory RBC channel at "MAX".