Rocket Lab challenges NASA MTN award in GAO protest
Rocket Lab has filed a GAO protest against NASA’s $700 million award to Blue Origin for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), alleging the decision violates congressional eligibility criteria and procurement standards; MTN is a Mars relay spacecraft slated for delivery by the end of 2028 and operation by 2030, and Space.com notes Rocket Lab remains hopeful it may build NASA’s next Mars orbiter despite the challenge.