science ๐ฐ๏ธ Blue Origin to build Mars comms network for NASA
NASA has awarded a US$ 700 million contract to Blue Origin to create a communications network around Mars. This private American space tech company will design and operate the telecommunications spacecraft in Mars orbit. The spacecraft is set to be delivered by December 31, 2028, with the network becoming functional in 2030. This Mars Telecommunications Network will relay vital data and images between Mars assets and Earth for all missions. This system is key to supporting both current and future robotic and human exploration efforts. ๐