NASA finds new PROMISE in old equipment for a moon rover

An artist's rendering of the PROMISE rover from NASA. The PROMISE rover carries a suite of science instruments and technology demonstrations, including an autonomy software package (not depicted).(JPL-Caltech / NASA)NASA has found promise for its moon mission in the spare parts and test models of the rovers sent to Mars. PROMISE is the name of its planned new rover destined for the moon's south pole. The rover is part of a new push from NASA, including investments and contract awards, that will help the agency put people on the moon. NASA will build the rover PROMISE from components and test vehicles on Earth that serve the current rovers on Mars: the Perseverance and Curiosity. NASA said the technology and hardware can withstand the Moon's icy south pole environment by using nuclear power. "Using proven hardware, software, and Mars rover operation approaches significantly reduces cost and enables integration and testing of the complex PROMISE rover on a shorter timeline," the agency s