NASA Issues RFP for Mars Telecommunications Network, Targeting 2030 Operational Capability
Summary: NASA released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on May 14, 2026, inviting industry collaboration to design, build and operate a high-performance Mars telecommunications orbiter network. The network will replace NASA's existing Perseverance rover relay system and provide high-bandwidth communications for future crewed lunar and Mars missions and deep space exploration, with a target operational readiness by 2030.