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NASA selects Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for a 2028 mission to Mars

NASA has partnered with Eric Schmidt's Relativity Space to launch the Aeolus mission to Mars in 2028. The company will provide the rocket, spacecraft, and cruise operations, while NASA provides the atmospheric-science instrument payload. This agreement is supported by a six-year reimbursable Space Act Agreement.

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NASA announced a partnership with Relativity Space to develop and launch a Mars orbiter by 2028.

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  1. NASA Selects Relativity Space for 2028 Mars Aeolus Mission

    NASA has partnered with Eric Schmidt's Relativity Space to launch the Aeolus mission to Mars in 2028. The company will provide the rocket, spacecraft, and cruise operations, while NASA provides the atmospheric-science instrument payload. This agreement is supported by a six-year reimbursable Space Act Agreement.

    What's confirmed:

    • NASA selected Relativity Space to launch the Aeolus mission to Mars in 2028.
    • Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt acquired Relativity Space in 2025.
    • Relativity Space has not yet reached orbit.
    • The partnership involves a six-year reimbursable Space Act Agreement.
    • Relativity Space will supply the spacecraft and rocket for the mission.
    • NASA will provide the atmospheric-science instrument payload.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The mission carries a data centre for Mars orbit.
    • The orbiter will carry four scientific instruments.
    • Relativity Space aims to build cheap, reusable rockets.
    confidence 95%