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NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a racewith SpaceX
NASA has awarded Relativity Space, acquired by Eric Schmidt, a contract for a Mars mission called Aeolus, which aims to gather atmospheric data. This partnership, similar to those with SpaceX, leverages private innovation to accelerate scientific research. Scheduled for a 2028 launch, it positions Relativity to possibly outpace SpaceX in Mars exploration despite significant risks.
Key points
- NASA hires Relativity Space for Mars mission Aeolus, to develop a spacecraft for atmospheric measurement instruments.
- The contract model follows previous agreements with SpaceX, focusing on cost-effective partnerships.
- Aeolus will provide daily global atmospheric data, aiding future Mars missions.
- NASA's investment strategy involves public-private partnerships to mitigate financial risk.
- Challenges include Relativity's unproven record, highlighted by earlier rocket launch failures.
- Eric Schmidt's acquisition of Relativity reflects interest in space innovation and potential commercial applications beyond NASA contracts.
Why it matters
- The commercial space industry is seeing increased competition and demand due to delays faced by established companies like Blue Origin.
- Public-private partnerships in space exploration are gaining traction, driven by the need for cost efficiency and faster mission timelines.
- Concerns over small startup viability in the aerospace sector reflect broader challenges facing the industry as it evolves toward more ambitious dreams, including Mars colonization.
The collaboration between NASA and Relativity Space may redefine private sector roles in deep space missions, with 2028 marking a potential milestone for commercial space endeavors focused on Mars.