NASA Taps Eric Schmidt's Relativity Space for 2028 Mars Orbiter Mission
NASA has contracted Relativity Space, led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, to build and launch the Aeolus Mars orbiter. Set for a 2028 launch, the mission aims to provide daily, global atmospheric data from orbit, enhancing future crewed missions. This partnership mirrors NASA's approach with SpaceX and Firefly Aerospace.
Key points
- NASA has selected Relativity Space, acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt, to build and launch the Aeolus Mars orbiter.
- The Aeolus mission, slated for a 2028 launch, will carry four instruments to provide daily, global views of Mars's atmospheric conditions.
- This data aims to improve safety for future landers and astronauts on the Red Planet.
- The contract follows a model where NASA provides science instruments and private companies supply launch and transit infrastructure.
- This effort positions Relativity Space in a potential race with SpaceX for Martian exploration contracts.
NASA has chosen Relativity Space, the rocket company formerly led by Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, to undertake a significant Mars mission. The agency announced it has contracted the firm to develop and launch a spacecraft, dubbed Aeolus, which will orbit the Red Planet.
The Aeolus mission is scheduled for a 2028 launch. Its primary objective is to deploy four sophisticated scientific instruments designed to deliver the first integrated, daily, global perspective of Mars's atmospheric dynamics, including winds, temperatures, dust, and clouds. NASA anticipates this continuous data stream will be crucial for enhancing the safety and efficiency of future robotic landers and, eventually, human expeditions.
This partnership exemplifies NASA's strategy of leveraging commercial innovation for space exploration. By engaging private companies like Relativity Space, which Schmidt acquired last year, the agency aims to reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of critical scientific data. The arrangement is comparable to existing NASA contracts with SpaceX for International Space Station cargo and Firefly Aerospace for lunar missions, where NASA handles the scientific payload and the commercial partner provides the launch and transit capabilities.
Sources
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