Key facts
- NASA contracted Relativity Space for a Mars mission.
- The mission is named Aeolus.
- The spacecraft is scheduled to launch by 2028.
- Aeolus aims to provide daily atmospheric imaging of Mars.
- Eric Schmidt co-founded Relativity Space.
- The mission could position Relativity Space ahead of SpaceX in Martian exploration.
- The spacecraft will be built and launched by Relativity Space.
NASA has selected Relativity Space, a company co-founded by former Google executive Eric Schmidt, to develop and launch a spacecraft to Mars. The mission, designated Aeolus, is scheduled for a 2028 launch and aims to deliver daily atmospheric imaging of the Red Planet. This initiative could place Relativity Space in a competitive position against SpaceX in the ongoing race for Martian exploration. The primary objective of the Aeolus mission is to provide continuous, detailed atmospheric data from Mars. This contract signifies a significant step for Relativity Space, highlighting NASA's confidence in their capabilities to undertake complex interplanetary missions. The development and launch of the spacecraft will be managed by Relativity Space, with NASA providing oversight and scientific direction. The success of Aeolus could provide invaluable insights into Martian weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics, contributing to future human exploration endeavors.