Blue Origin sets sights on Mars with new NASA network
Spacecraft is expected for delivery by December 31, 2028
NASA has awarded a $700 million firm-fixed-price contract to Blue Origin to develop and operate the Mars Telecommunication Network (MTN) as part of the Space Communications and Navigation program.
Speaking about the scope of work, Blue Origin will design, build, launch and operate a telecommunications spacecraft in Mars orbit utilizing its Blue Ring architecture.
According to NASA's official statement, the spacecraft is expected for delivery by December 31, 2028 with the network becoming operational in 2030.
Once deployed, the system will serve as the backbone for future robotic and human Mars exploration, providing high-bandwidth and near continuous communications and navigation services between Mars assets and Earth ground controllers.
“MTO is the backbone of America’s Mars exploration program for the next decade and beyond and will provide the reliable communications capacity that will keep future robotic and human missions connected to each other and to Earth,” Tory Bruno, President, Blue National Security said.
“This awarded contract is a testament to the Blue Origin team that has been building the Blue Ring with exactly this kind of mission in mind. We’re ready, and so is the hardware.”
The project aims to reduce reliance on individual mission-specific systems and support the growing volume of data generated by expanding robotic and planned crewed missions.
