Relativity Space, the rocket startup led by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, won a NASA contract to launch the Aeolus payload to Mars in 2028. The company will provide the spacecraft, rocket, and cruise operations under a public-private partnership model.
Aeolus represents NASA's push to leverage commercial spaceflight for deep space missions. The payload will conduct atmospheric science on Mars, marking the first dedicated atmospheric research mission to the planet. This arrangement lets NASA reduce costs by partnering with private industry rather than building and operating the entire mission in-house.
Relativity Space operates as a 3D printing-focused rocket manufacturer, differentiating itself through additive manufacturing techniques that simplify production and reduce component counts. The company has launched multiple Terran 1 rockets, though earlier attempts faced setbacks. This Mars contract represents a major validation for the company's technology and represents a step toward commercializing deep space missions.
The 2028 timeline aligns with NASA's broader Mars exploration strategy. The agency has progressively shifted toward commercial partnerships for cargo and crew transport. Extending this model to interplanetary missions reflects confidence in private industry capabilities and budgetary constraints within the space agency.
Schmidt's involvement adds credibility in Silicon Valley circles, though Relativity Space operates independently from his direct day-to-day involvement. The CEO role rests with Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone, who founded the company in 2017.
This contract positions Relativity Space as a serious contender in the emerging commercial deep space sector, competing with established aerospace contractors. Success here could open doors for additional interplanetary missions. The arrangement also sets a precedent for how NASA structures future Mars and lunar missions, potentially triggering a wave of commercial deep space ventures.
The mission carries technical risks. Operating beyond Earth orbit demands reliability standards that exceed most commercial launch providers' current experience.