NASA has announced a significant contract with Relativity Space, a rocket manufacturer now under the leadership of former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt, to undertake a scientific mission to Mars. The mission, named Aeolus, is slated for launch in 2028 and will involve Relativity Space designing, building, and launching a spacecraft equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to orbit the Red Planet.
The Aeolus mission's primary objective is to measure and image Mars from orbit, providing the first daily, global view of the planet's atmospheric dust, winds, and temperature. NASA anticipates that this crucial data will enhance safety for future lander missions and, eventually, human exploration of Mars. Jared Isaacman, NASA administrator, emphasised the benefits of such public-private partnerships, stating that combining NASA's instruments with commercial innovation allows for more frequent scientific delivery and quicker access to essential data for researchers preparing for human missions.
This contractual agreement reflects a growing trend in NASA's approach to space exploration, where the agency partners with private companies to provide infrastructure while handling the scientific aspects. This model, similar to past collaborations with SpaceX for International Space Station cargo and Firefly Aerospace for lunar landers, aims to stretch NASA's budget and distribute financial risk. However, it also means NASA is taking on a degree of risk, given Relativity Space's relatively unproven track record, including a failed test flight of its Terran-1 rocket in March 2023.
Relativity Space was founded in 2015 by former engineers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, with a core focus on leveraging 3D printing for more efficient and cost-effective rocket production. After initial challenges, including fundraising difficulties and the Terran-1 failure, Eric Schmidt acquired a majority stake in the company last year and assumed the role of CEO. Schmidt's involvement has sparked interest, particularly given his previous expressions of interest in orbital data centres and a potential space telescope project, Lazuili, financed by his family's philanthropy.
The 2028 launch timeline for Aeolus is ambitious, requiring Relativity Space to rapidly develop the spacecraft and complete its larger Terran R rocket design. If successful, this mission could mark a significant achievement for Relativity Space, potentially positioning it to achieve a private Mars mission before Elon Musk's SpaceX, despite Musk's long-stated ambitions for the Red Planet. The contract not only offers a substantial opportunity for Relativity Space but also highlights the intensifying competition and innovation within the commercial space sector.