NASA selects Schmidt-backed Relativity Space for Mars mission
Original: NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX
Why This Matters
Marks NASA's expansion of commercial partnerships for deep space exploration and signals emerging competition in Mars mission capabilities.
NASA awarded Relativity Space, acquired by former Google chair Eric Schmidt, a contract to build and launch a spacecraft carrying scientific instruments to Mars in 2028, competing with SpaceX's Mars plans.
NASA announced on Tuesday that it selected Relativity Space to construct and launch the Aeolus spacecraft, which will carry four instruments to measure and image Mars from orbit. The mission aims to provide the first daily, global view of Martian dust, winds, and temperature in its atmosphere. The data will enhance safety for future landers and astronauts. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman stated: 'By pairing NASA's world-class instruments with commercial innovation and investment, we can deliver more science, more often, and reduce the time it takes to get essential data into the hands of researchers preparing for future human missions to Mars.' The launch is scheduled for 2028. This contract follows NASA's model with SpaceX for International Space Station cargo missions and Firefly Aerospace for lunar landers, where NASA provides scientific instruments while the private company supplies low-cost infrastructure. Relativity was founded in 2015 by former SpaceX and Blue Origin engineers, focusing on 3D printing rocket technology. The company's Terran-1 rocket failed mid-flight in March 2023. After facing fundraising difficulties, Eric Schmidt acquired a majority stake in Relativity in 2025. NASA did not disclose contract value. The mission carries execution risk, as Relativity is unproven and must complete spacecraft and rocket development on a tight timeline.