NASA has chosen Relativity Space—the rocket builder acquired by former Google executive chair Eric Schmidt last year—for a Mars mission cargo delivery contract, according to TechCrunch. The decision positions Schmidt's venture as a direct rival to SpaceX in the race to the Red Planet. Relativity Space had previously stumbled on its path to achieving orbit before the acquisition.
The contract marks a dramatic turnaround for a company that once struggled to reach orbit. Schmidt's involvement and NASA's endorsement signal a new chapter for the firm, which aims to leverage 3D-printed rocket technology for deep space missions. The move underscores the agency's strategy of diversifying its commercial partners beyond established players like SpaceX.
Relativity Space has not disclosed the contract's value or the specific mission timeline. The company's Terran R rocket, a fully reusable launch vehicle currently in development, is expected to handle the Mars cargo delivery. SpaceX's Starship, meanwhile, remains NASA's primary vehicle for crewed Artemis lunar missions and has long been envisioned for Mars transport.
The decision could reshape the competitive landscape for Mars exploration. While SpaceX has dominated deep-space ambitions under Elon Musk, Relativity Space now has an official pathway to challenge that lead. Industry observers will watch how quickly the company can deliver on its Mars promise, given its earlier technical setbacks.
Some experts caution that Relativity Space's unproven track record with orbital launches makes this a high-risk bet for NASA. The company has yet to complete a successful orbital flight, raising questions about its ability to meet a Mars mission deadline.