Mars needs its own internet: NASA commissions Blue Origin to build telecommunications network there

NASA declare Signed a contract with Blue Origin to develop a telecommunications network on Mars. The deal, worth up to $700 million, involves the development of a high-performance device to provide communications services to Mars and its surrounding areas by December 31, 2028.

Image source: NASA/unsplash.com

After debugging is complete, the device will be able to transmit “Scientific data, imagery, navigation and critical communications information for spacecraft operating on and around Mars”. NASA has an Artemis program dedicated to exploring the moon. The program has been relatively slow to develop, but astronauts have already orbited the moon this year. Missions under this program will prepare astronauts to send astronauts to Mars. To achieve this goal, NASA will need to process large amounts of data, and having a reliable way to transmit information from Mars is critical.

Blue Origin has partnered with NASA – the company has a contract to develop a lunar landing module. In May, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket program suffered a major setback when its launch pad exploded. The company’s CEO promised to repair the launch pad by the end of 2026, but NASA believes work will only be possible in 2028.