Rocket Lab protests NASA's $700 million Mars orbiter award to Blue Origin
US-based rocket manufacturer Rocket Lab has formally protested NASA's decision to award Blue Origin a contract valued at $700 million for the development and delivery of a Mars orbiter. The protest was filed with the appropriate oversight body and asserts that the award violates eligibility rules set by Congress.
According to Rocket Lab, Congress established specific criteria for companies wishing to compete for deep‑space missions, and Blue Origin allegedly fails to meet those requirements. The company argues that NASA did not adequately apply these criteria during its evaluation, which skewed the outcome of the selection process.
The contested contract calls for the design and construction of an orbiter system intended to gather scientific data from Mars and support future crewed missions. Both firms previously presented their concepts, with Rocket Lab emphasizing that its proposal satisfied all formal conditions.
NASA has not yet issued a public response to the protest. If the protest succeeds, the agency may be required to review the award or initiate a new selection procedure. The case highlights the ongoing competition in the commercial space sector and the importance of clear regulatory frameworks for government contracts.