NASA selects Relativity Space for Mars mission, competing with SpaceX
8 reported2 unconfirmed
NASA has hired Relativity Space, a rocket maker acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt, to build a spacecraft for a Mars mission called Aeolus. The contract follows a model similar to NASA’s deals with SpaceX for cargo flights to the International Space Station and with Firefly Aerospace for a Moon lander. The mission, set to launch in 2028, will carry four instruments to measure dust, winds, and temperature in Mars’ atmosphere from orbit. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said the partnership aims to deliver more science and reduce time for researchers preparing for human missions to Mars. Relativity, founded in 2015 by former SpaceX and Blue Origin engineers, has not yet reached orbit; its first rocket, Terran-1, failed mid-flight in March 2023. The company is now developing a larger rocket, Terran R, and Schmidt took a majority stake last year, installing himself as CEO. NASA did not disclose the contract’s cost, and Relativity did not respond to questions from TechCrunch.
What’s reported
NASA hired Relativity Space to build a spacecraft for a Mars mission called Aeolus.
The mission will carry four instruments to measure dust, winds, and temperature in Mars’ atmosphere from orbit.
The mission is set to launch in 2028.
NASA did not disclose how much it is paying Relativity for the mission.
Relativity was founded in 2015 by two former SpaceX and Blue Origin engineers.
Relativity’s first rocket, Terran-1, launched in March 2023 and failed mid-flight.
Eric Schmidt took a majority stake in Relativity last year and installed himself as CEO.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said the partnership pairs NASA’s instruments with commercial innovation.
Open questions
The exact cost of the NASA contract with Relativity Space.
Whether Relativity’s Terran R rocket will be ready for the 2028 launch timeline.
Key figures
Eric Schmidt, former Google executive chair and CEO of Relativity Space.
Jared Isaacman, NASA administrator.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX (mentioned as a sparring partner of Schmidt on AI safety).
Sources: TechCrunch
