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NASA Taps Relativity Space for Mars Mission
18 Jun
Summary
- NASA partners with Relativity Space for 2028 Martian orbiter mission.
- Aeolus mission will study Martian winds, temps, dust, and clouds.
- Data will reduce risks for future crewed and uncrewed Mars landings.
NASA has announced a partnership with Relativity Space, headed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, for a Martian orbiter mission named Aeolus. The mission is targeted for a 2028 launch, with Relativity Space responsible for spacecraft, rocket, and cruise operations.
Aeolus will enhance previous Martian atmospheric research by deploying four instruments. These will collectively offer the first daily, global overview of atmospheric conditions, including winds, temperatures, dust, and clouds.
Scientists at NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley will design and construct the instruments. This endeavor aims to gather critical data on Martian atmospheric dynamics to significantly reduce risks for future crewed and uncrewed missions to the planet.
