What Happened
Company Challenges Award To Blue Origin For Mars Telecommunications Network
Rocket Lab has filed a protest with the US Government Accountability Office over NASA’s decision to award a $700 million contract for a Mars telecommunications network spacecraft to Blue Origin. The company claims NASA’s award decision is inconsistent with eligibility criteria mandated by Congress, which included prior funding for Mars Sample Return studies. Rocket Lab also alleges that NASA’s review of its proposal was punitive and inconsistent. The decision has sparked controversy, with Rocket Lab and Blue Origin engaging in a public dispute over the award. The protest was first reported by Ars Technica.