NASA has selected Relativity Space, the aerospace company led by former Google executive Eric Schmidt, is set to develop and launch a privately funded Mars orbiter carrying scientific instruments designed to study the planet’s atmosphere.
The mission, named Aeolus, is scheduled for launch in 2028 and reflects NASA’s expanding use of commercial partnerships to support planetary science. Under the agreement, NASA will provide the scientific instruments while Relativity Space builds, launches and operates the spacecraft. The agency has not disclosed the contract’s value yet.
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Aeolus will carry four NASA-developed instruments that are expected to provide the first daily, global observations of Mars’ atmosphere. Scientists then will use the data to monitor dust, winds and temperature patterns, helping improve understanding of the Martian climate and supporting planning for future robotic and human exploration missions.
Relativity Space plans to launch the mission using its reusable Terran R rocket, which remains under development. The company has not yet completed a successful orbital launch. Its only flight to date, is the Terran 1 test mission in 2023, that reached several key milestones before failing to achieve orbit because of a second-stage engine issue.
Schmidt assumed leadership of Relativity Space after acquiring a controlling stake in the company in 2025. Since then, the company has focused on completing development of the Terran R launch vehicle while expanding its long-term ambitions in deep-space exploration.
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The Aeolus mission follows NASA’s broader strategy of working with commercial aerospace companies on exploration initiatives. In this model, NASA supplies scientific expertise and instruments while private partners provide spacecraft, launch services and mission operations. The agency has used similar public-private partnerships for cargo transportation to the International Space Station and lunar exploration programs.
If launched as planned, Aeolus will represent Relativity Space’s first Mars mission and one of the company’s most significant projects to date. NASA said the collaboration is intended to increase scientific opportunities while leveraging private-sector investment to reduce mission costs.