Rocket Lab Files Protest Over NASA's Selection of Blue Origin for Mars Spacecraft
Rocket Lab has filed an official protest against NASA's decision to award Blue Origin a $700 million contract to build a Mars communications spacecraft. Blue Origin warns the dispute could jeopardize the mission's planned 2028 launch.
NASA this month made its decision on the "Mars Telecommunications Network" program, a spacecraft intended to enter orbit around Mars and relay transmissions between the planet and large satellite dishes on Earth. The agency selected Blue Origin to develop, launch, and operate the spacecraft, a contract valued at roughly $700 million.
The decision did not sit well with Rocket Lab, the main rival for the award. On Friday, Rocket Lab filed a formal protest with the US Government Accountability Office. In a statement posted on X, the company said NASA's award decision appeared inconsistent with eligibility criteria mandated by Congress. Rocket Lab also argued that NASA's review of its technical proposal was inconsistent, containing what it described as incorrect assertions and conclusions.
Blue Origin warns of delay risk
Responding to the protest, Blue Origin said it remained confident in the strength of its proposal, in NASA's selection process, and in Congress's intent to support competition within the program. However, the company cautioned that the protest could delay the mission's goal of launching in 2028. Because Mars launch windows are limited, Blue Origin said any delay would pose a significant risk to the timely deployment of this communications capability.
The core of the dispute appears to center on the congressionally mandated eligibility criteria referenced in Rocket Lab's protest announcement. Further details on the exact criteria and the specifics of each company's proposal have not been made public.
