NASA is embarking on a new era of space exploration, leveraging partnerships with nine companies to conduct crucial tests for future missions to Mars.
We're in an exciting new era of space exploration, with rapid growth of commercial interest and capabilities," said Eric Ianson, NASA Mars Exploration Program director.
The tests aim to support NASA's Mars Exploration Program, which plans missions to Mars over the next two decades.
The studies are divided into four categories, ranging from payload delivery to communication relay services.
Companies like Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and Blue Origin have been chosen to adapt spacecraft and provide crucial services for the Mars missions.
The dozen studies will take approximately 12 weeks to complete, with an expected end date in August.
NASA plans to publish a summary of each study later this year, continuing its pursuit of Mars exploration.
NASA's Mars Exploration Program aims to deliver a continuous stream of scientific discovery through robotic missions, supported by advanced communication networks.