NASA and Relativity Space Join Forces for a New Scientific Space Probe Dedicated to Mars

In early June, NASA announced that the MAVEN (Mars Atmospheric and Volatile EvolutioN) space probe, which was orbiting Mars, has been lost due to a failure that is still being clarified. Although it was not a recent orbiter, the scientific data collected and its importance as a relay between surface missions on Mars and the DSN made the loss a serious issue. Therefore, the new public-private partnership between NASA and Relativity Space has been positively received.

Relativity Space is a company that is not often in the spotlight but is working on a reusable space rocket called Terran R. Its size will be similar to that of New Glenn and the Space Launch System, reaching 86.6 meters, and it will be equipped with a 5.4-meter fairing. This space rocket should be able to carry up to 23.5 tons in LEO (around 33.5 tons in its non-reusable version). Relativity Space has also launched a new program for interplanetary science.

According to reports, the first mission of the program will be a scientific orbiter dedicated to Mars, set to be launched in 2028. Onboard will be various scientific instruments that will allow, among other things, mapping the ice located at shallow depths beneath the surface and the planet's geology. Another instrument developed by NASA, called Aeolus, will analyze the atmosphere of Mars with a global view of winds, temperatures, dust, and clouds.

It is interesting to note that, as with other planned space probes in the near future, much of the data processing will occur onboard, sending only truly useful packets of information back to Earth, thus reducing bandwidth consumption. Jared Isaacman (NASA administrator) stated, "Public-private partnerships like this are a force multiplier for Science. By combining NASA's world-class tools with commercial innovation and investment, we can provide more Science, more frequently, and reduce the time needed to get essential data into the hands of researchers preparing for future human missions to Mars."

As noted, the Aeolus instrument will be developed by NASA (specifically the Ames Research Center) by 2028, based on what has been learned from the MAVEN, MRO, and Mars Odyssey missions. Relativity Space will provide the space probe, the other onboard scientific instruments, the launch vehicle, and will manage operations. This new Martian space probe could also be useful for communicating not only with the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers but also with the European Mars Rover Rosalind Franklin (from the ExoMars 2028 mission).