Ars Technica
NASA may send a backup, nuclear-powered Mars rover to the Moon
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
NASA is considering sending a backup nuclear-powered Mars rover to the Moon, according to agency officials. The rover was originally developed as a backup for the Curiosity mission to Mars. No timeline or official decision date has been announced. The rover uses a radioisotope thermoelectric generator for power, which allows it to operate in low-light conditions where solar-powered rovers cannot function.
