Rocket Lab targets $700 million NASA Mars contract, expanding deep-space infrastructure

Rocket Lab is competing for a $700 million NASA contract to build the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN). The company already holds a preliminary study contract for this project. This infrastructure will support future sample return and crewed missions to Mars.

A contract win would transition Rocket Lab from a launch provider to a deep-space infrastructure company. Its space systems division currently generates the majority of company revenue. Rocket Lab maintains a total backlog exceeding $2 billion.

The company faces competition from industry heavyweights SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. Rocket Lab recently delivered twin ESCAPADE orbiters for a separate Mars mission. NASA expects to announce the award decision later this year.