NASA plans to send Promise rover to the Moon by late 2028

NASA announced plans on November 7 to send the Promise rover to the Moon aboard a Blue Origin lander by late 2028. The rover is expected to operate in the Moon’s south polar region for 18 months, collecting environmental data for future crewed lunar missions.

Promise draws on technology used in the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers. Equipped with a drill, cameras and scientific instruments, it will study lunar soil and rocks, measure radiation levels and search for resources that humans may be able to use in the future. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said sending a rover to the Moon first would help scientists understand the local environment and prepare safer conditions for astronauts.

NASA is also working with companies including Blue Origin and SpaceX to develop landers, communications systems and equipment for operations on the lunar surface. Under the agency’s plans, astronauts will return to the lunar surface in 2028 through the Artemis IV mission. Its long-term goal is to establish a base where people can live and work on the Moon and use it as a stepping stone for future Mars exploration.

The Moon (left) and Earth photographed by the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission on April 6, 2026.（VietVance）

To prepare for future missions, NASA also opened recruitment for its 25th astronaut class on November 7. The agency currently has 32 active astronauts. In its previous selection round, it received more than 8,000 applications and ultimately selected 10 people in September 2025.

Applications for this round close on December 3, 2026. NASA expects to announce those selected by the end of 2027, with training scheduled to begin in early 2028. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a university degree and professional work experience. Those selected must complete two years of training and may still wait years after completing it before receiving a flight assignment.

Source: VietVance