NASA selects Eric Schmidt's rocket company for a 2028 mission to Mars

- NASA has contracted **Relativity Space** (backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt) to design a rocket for a 2028 Mars mission. Relativity uses 3D-printed rockets and is still young — this is a major vote of confidence from NASA. - **Eric Schmidt** became involved with Relativity in 2024 via a new venture called **Voyager Technologies**, which acquired a controlling stake in Relativity. Schmidt's deep pockets and Washington connections helped stabilize the company. - Relativity's last big rocket, the **Terran 1**, never reached orbit as a fully operational vehicle; they've since pivoted to the larger **Terran R**, designed for heavy lift. This Mars contract is essentially a bet that Relativity can deliver Terran R on time. - Why it matters: NASA is deliberately turning to newer, smaller space companies beyond SpaceX and Blue Origin, hoping to foster competition and lower launch costs. A successful 2028 mission would be a huge milestone for additive-manufactured spacecraft.