NASA recently announced that it’s entered into a new $700 million contract with aerospace manufacturer Blue Origin, which goes towards the development and operation of a planned Mars Telecommunications Network. Part of NASA’s official statement reads:
The selection follows NASA’s request for proposal issued in May. As the agency increasingly taps commercial partners for transportation and communications services in Earth orbit and to develop the Moon Base, the Mars Telecommunications Network initiative similarly seeks to harness private-sector capabilities while enabling NASA to focus on exploration and scientific discovery.
According to NASA, the agreement tasks Blue Origin with overseeing the construction, launch and subsequent operations management of a high-performance orbiter which will serve as the communications backbone for Mars. The aerospace company has until December 31, 2028, to deliver the spacecraft to NASA.
NASA adds that it expects the network to be fully operational by 2030, which will then provide high-bandwidth data, imagery, and navigation services for all spacecraft currently operating on or around Mars.
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The move highlights NASA’s growing reliance on third-party companies and private contractors to handle foundational space infrastructure. By outsourcing this network to Blue Origin, the agency says that it will be able to secure the massive data capacity required for upcoming robotic and crewed Artemis missions while keeping its own focus strictly on scientific discovery and deep space exploration.