Eric Schmidt’s Relativity Space Wins NASA Mars Aeolus Contract for 2028 Launch
Eric Schmidt’s Relativity Space won NASA’s Aeolus contract to design, build and launch a Mars orbiter carrying four scientific instruments in 2028, marking a potential first private-provided Mars mission. The unproven startup must complete spacecraft and rocket development on a compressed timeline without disclosed contract value.
1. Eric Schmidt’s Acquisition of Relativity Space
Founded in 2015 by former SpaceX and Blue Origin engineers adopting 3D-printed rockets, Relativity Space launched its Terran-1 vehicle in March 2023 only to experience a mid-flight failure. In 2025 it was acquired by Eric Schmidt, who injected capital and strategic oversight to pursue larger Terran R designs.
2. NASA Awards Aeolus Mars Mission Contract
In June 2026 NASA awarded Relativity Space the Aeolus Mars orbiter contract, tasking it to design, build and launch a spacecraft carrying four atmospheric instruments. The structure mirrors past commercial cargo deals, with NASA providing science payloads and Relativity supplying low-cost launch and orbiter infrastructure.
3. Mission Timeline and Technical Risks
The Aeolus mission is due to launch in 2028, imposing an aggressive schedule for spacecraft design, rocket finalization and testing. With no contract value disclosed and no prior orbital successes, Relativity faces significant engineering and budgetary risks to meet NASA’s timeline.
4. Strategic Implications for Schmidt and Alphabet
Success could validate Schmidt’s investment strategy and position Relativity for commercial satellite and lunar cargo markets, potentially boosting his broader tech portfolio. However, any failures would raise doubts about the viability of nascent commercial deep-space ventures and impact investor confidence.
