NASA commits up to $700 million for Blue Origin Mars relay network

NASA committed up to $700 million under a firm-fixed-price contract for Blue Origin to design, develop, integrate, launch and operate a Mars communications relay network. The Mars Telecommunications Network will use Mars Telecommunications Orbiters based on Blue Origin's Blue Ring platform and deploy UHF relay satellites in Mars orbit. NASA requires delivery of the first component by the end of 2028. The network is expected to be managed through NASA's Space Communications and Navigation program and provide continuous, high-speed Earth-Mars coverage when operational.