NASA picks Eric Schmidt’s rocket company for Mars mission, setting up a race with SpaceX

NASA awarded Relativity Space a contract for a Mars mission on March 18, 2024, potentially positioning the company to compete with SpaceX in interplanetary exploration. Relativity Space, which was acquired by former Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt in 2023, aims to leverage its 3D-printed rockets for this endeavor. The company previously faced challenges in achieving orbital flight but is now set to contribute to NASA's ambitious lunar and Martian objectives. This contract signifies a significant step for Relativity Space as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in the commercial space industry, particularly in deep space missions. The development sets the stage for a potential rivalry with SpaceX, another prominent private aerospace manufacturer with extensive experience in Mars exploration.