tech
NASA picks Eric Schmidt's rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX
Relativity Space — a rocket maker acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt last year after stumbling on the path to orbit — might just beat SpaceX to Mars.
TL;DR
- NASA has awarded a contract to Relativity Space to build and launch a Mars mission named Aeolus.
- The mission will house scientific instruments to provide daily global views of Mars' atmosphere.
- This partnership structure, similar to deals with SpaceX and Firefly Aerospace, involves NASA handling science and the company providing infrastructure.
- The Aeolus mission is targeted for a 2028 launch, requiring Relativity to complete spacecraft and rocket development.
- Relativity Space, founded by former SpaceX engineers, aims to use 3D printing for cheaper rocket construction and is developing the Terran R rocket.
- Eric Schmidt acquired a majority stake in Relativity Space last year and serves as CEO.
- The contract could position Relativity Space to potentially reach Mars before SpaceX.
- NASA is taking on risk as Relativity is an unproven entity in space missions.