One Mars spacecraft, two senators, and a cloud of questions
NASA has initiated a contract solicitation for a new Mars telecommunications spacecraft, with $700 million in funding already appropriated by Congress. The procurement process is expected to be competitive, with proposals due by June 15 and a contract award anticipated by October 1. However, the eligibility criteria for bidders have raised questions about potential favoritism towards specific companies.
- ▪NASA has released a contract solicitation for a Mars telecommunications spacecraft.
- ▪The procurement process has raised concerns about potential favoritism in the selection criteria for bidders.
- ▪Proposals for the spacecraft are due by June 15, with a contract expected to be awarded by October 1.
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Who will win mtn? One Mars spacecraft, two senators, and a cloud of questions “I think there’s plenty of fire lit under them already.” Eric Berger – May 18, 2026 3:49 pm | 0 A rendering of Rocket Lab's design for the Mars Telecommunications Network Credit: Rocket Lab A rendering of Rocket Lab's design for the Mars Telecommunications Network Credit: Rocket Lab Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav NASA released a much-anticipated contract solicitation for a Mars-orbiting spacecraft late last week, kicking off what is sure to be a hotly contested and potentially controversial procurement.
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