Schmidt's Relativity Space Wins NASA Mars Mission, Challenges SpaceX

What happened?

On June 17, 2026, NASA awarded Relativity Space a contract to develop an unmanned mission to Mars, according to TechCrunch. The company, founded in 2015 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone, had been struggling to reach orbit with its Terran 1 rocket, whose first launch in March 2023 partially failed (it did not reach orbit). In 2025, it was acquired by a group led by Eric Schmidt, former executive chairman of Google, who injected capital and strategic contacts. The NASA contract, whose amount has not been disclosed, involves the design and construction of a Martian lander based on the reusable Terran R rocket, still under development. This move is surprising because Relativity Space has yet to demonstrate full orbital capability, while SpaceX has already conducted multiple successful launches of its Starship, though still without controlled landings on Mars.

Why is this important?

This contract represents a milestone in commercial space exploration, as NASA bets on a young, disruptive company against the established giant SpaceX. Relativity Space differentiates itself through additive manufacturing (3D printing) of rockets, a technology that promises to reduce costs and production times by up to 90%, according to company statements. The involvement of Eric Schmidt, who was CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011 and chaired its board until 2018, adds financial and technical credibility: Schmidt has invested over $500 million in the company, according to sources close to the matter. The Mars mission not only has scientific implications (such as sample collection and habitability tests) but also defines who will lead the next era of interplanetary travel. If Relativity Space manages to reach Mars before SpaceX, it would shift the balance of power in the space industry, currently dominated by SpaceX with 60% of the heavy launch market (according to 2025 data). Additionally, NASA seeks to diversify its suppliers to avoid dependence on a single contractor, as happened with the space shuttle program.

Consequences and context

NASA's decision could accelerate innovation in reusable rockets and 3D printing systems. The Terran R, a two-stage rocket with a payload capacity of 20 tons to low Earth orbit, directly competes with SpaceX's Starship (100 tons). However, Relativity Space has not yet launched the Terran R; its first test flight is scheduled for 2028, according to the current timeline. The company has faced delays: the original Terran 1 only completed a partial test flight, and the Terran R's development has been delayed by funding and technical issues. On the other hand, SpaceX has already conducted 5 test flights of Starship, with significant progress in reusability, though it has yet to achieve a fully controlled landing. NASA values Relativity Space's 3D printing capability, which allows complex components to be manufactured in weeks instead of months, reducing costs and supply chain risks. This technology could be key for interplanetary missions, where in-situ manufacturing would be necessary. However, the path to Mars is fraught with uncertainties: cosmic radiation, atmospheric entry, and precise landing are enormous technical challenges. Moreover, the heavy launch market is limited: it is estimated that there will be only 10-15 missions to Mars in the next decade, making competition fierce. If Relativity Space fails, NASA could delay its plans or turn to SpaceX as the sole provider, increasing its dependence.

What readers should know

• Relativity Space uses 3D printing to manufacture up to 95% of its rocket parts, including the Aeon 1 engines, reducing production time from months to weeks.
• Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, acquired the company in 2025 for an undisclosed amount, but it is estimated that he invested between $500 and $700 million, according to TechCrunch. Schmidt has linked Relativity Space to his network of contacts in Silicon Valley and Washington.
• The Mars mission has no specific date, but internal sources suggest it could launch between 2030 and 2035, depending on the success of the Terran R. NASA has set technical milestones that Relativity must meet to maintain the contract.
• SpaceX, with its Starship program, remains the favorite: it has conducted over 100 orbital launches and has established infrastructure in Boca Chica, Texas. However, NASA seeks alternatives to avoid relying on a single provider, as happened with the space shuttle program (which depended on Lockheed Martin and Boeing).
• 3D printing of rockets is not new: Rocket Lab also uses it, but on a smaller scale. Relativity Space is the only one that prints complete tank and stage structures.

"NASA's choice of Relativity Space shows that the agency is betting on disruptive innovation, but the path to Mars is full of technical and financial uncertainties," notes an industry analyst. "If Relativity succeeds, it could reduce the cost of access to space by an order of magnitude, something not even SpaceX has fully achieved."

In summary, NASA has taken a calculated risk by awarding this contract. While Relativity Space has an innovative approach and strong financial backing, its lack of orbital experience and tight deadlines are risk factors. Competition with SpaceX will benefit the space industry as a whole, but the ultimate winner will be the one that demonstrates execution capability in the harsh Martian environment.