MOSCOW, Nov 10 — The United States (US) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has announced that it is developing a rover named Promise, which is scheduled to land near the Moon’s South Pole in 2028, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

“Nasa announced it is moving forward with development of Promise (Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration).

“Equipped with scientific instruments and technology demonstrations, the six-wheeled rover will land at the Moon’s South Pole. Nasa is targeting late 2028 for the launch of Promise,” the statement read.

The Promise rover will carry a drill to extract lunar regolith for analysis of ice and other resources on the Moon, Nasa said.

The mission is expected to last 18 months, the agency added.

Nasa has awarded US-based space company Blue Origin, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, a base contract worth US$94 million (RM381.7 million) to deliver the Promise rover to the lunar South Pole, the statement said. — Bernama-Sputnik/Ria Novosti