Rocket Lab is seeing red about NASA's decision on a Mars spacecraft
"NASA’s award decision appears to be inconsistent with the eligibility criteria.".
"NASA’s award decision appears to be inconsistent with the eligibility criteria."
The short version
- NASA’s procurement of a “Mars Telecommunications Network” spacecraft, however, has turned out to be one of the most engrossing dramas of the year for the US space agency.
- The agency finally reached a decision earlier this month, selecting Blue Origin to develop, launch, and operate a $700 million spacecraft at Mars.
- However, the main competitor for the award, Rocket Lab, was not happy—at all.
What happened
On Friday, the company filed a protest of NASA’s decision with the US Government Accountability Office. “NASA’s award decision appears to be inconsistent with the eligibility criteria mandated by Congress,” the company said on X .
Why it matters
“In addition, the agency’s punitive review of Rocket Lab’s technical volume was inconsistent, making incorrect assertions and conclusions.” In response, Blue Origin said the protest could potentially delay the mission’s goal of launching in 2028.
Summary by Nerd News Network. Read the full article at Ars Technica via the links above and below.