• NASA reserves space for a small science payload on Mars telecommunications mission.
• The payload could be one or more cubesats.
• Mission budget is $700 million with a launch planned for late 2028.
• NASA expects the mission to be fully operational at Mars by the end of 2030.

This move may indicate NASA's commitment to including science in every mission, which could enhance the agency's ability to gather data from Mars. The inclusion of a small science payload suggests a focus on maximizing the mission's scientific return, which could benefit future Mars exploration efforts and may set a precedent for similar missions.