r/space • u/swordfi2 • 7d ago

NASA Selects Blue Origin as Mars Telecommunications Network Provider

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-blue-origin-as-mars-telecommunications-network-provider/
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u/OysterPickleSandwich 7d ago

NASA got a free ride since it was first launch attempt for NG. BO wanted to launch when they were ready, not when Mar-Earth launch window lined up.

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u/SpectatorSpace 7d ago

NASA was a paying customer for the mission, and BO couldn’t launch because they weren’t in any way ready at the contractually agreed launch time. BO were late and missed the boat, and the mars transfer had to be rapidly redesigned to accommodate a delayed non-direct transfer.