NASA is seeking proposals from U.S. companies about innovative Moon and Mars proximity relay communication and navigation capabilities as the agency aims to
The Moon photographed from the International Space Station, pictured in between exterior International Space Station hardware . NASA is seeking proposals from U.S. companies about innovative Moon and Mars proximity relay communication and navigation capabilities as the agency aims to use private industry satellite communications services for emerging missions.
, soliciting advanced industry concepts to establish high-bandwidth, high-reliability communications infrastructure between the lunar surface and an Earth-based operations control center, along with concepts that establish a critical communications relay on the Martian surface and transfer data between Mars and the Earth. “These partnerships foster important advancements in communications and navigation,” said Greg Heckler, deputy program manager for capability development within NASA’s SCaN Program. “It allows our astronauts, our rovers, our spacecraft – all NASA missions – to expand humanity’s exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.” NASA’s request directly supports the agency’s long-term vision of an interoperable space communication and navigation infrastructure that enables science, exploration, and economic development in space. NASA, as one of many customers, will establish a marketplace that supports cost-effective commercial services involving communication needs on and around the Moon and Mars.NASA’s SCaN Program serves as the management office for the agency’s space communications and navigation. More than 100 NASA and non-NASA missions rely on SCaN’s two networks, the Near Space Network and the Deep Space Network, to support astronauts aboard the International Space Station and future Artemis missions, monitor Earth’s weather, support lunar exploration, and uncover the solar system and beyond.
General Space Communications & Navigation Program Space Communications Technology
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Don’t Miss This Weekend’s Sky Show As The Moon And Mars Shine TogetherSee the moon, Mars and Regulus together in the western sky after sunset on Saturday, followed by a close conjunction between the moon and Mars on Sunday.
Read more »
See the crescent moon dance with Mars and the bright star Regulus this weekendAnthony Wood joined Space.com in April 2025 after contributing articles to outlets including IGN, New Atlas and Gizmodo. He has a passion for the night sky, science, Hideo Kojima, and human space exploration, and can’t wait for the day when astronauts once again set foot on the moon.
Read more »
Full Moon July 2025: When To See The ‘Buck Moon’ Rise Where You AreEverything you need to know about July’s full buck moon, including exactly when, where, and how to see it at its best from where you are.
Read more »
Full Moon July 2025: When To See The ‘Buck Moon’ Rise Where You AreEverything you need to know about July’s full buck moon, including exactly when, where, and how to see it at its best from where you are.
Read more »
Synthetic Biology Could Support Future Outposts on the Moon and MarsWhen we leave Earth, we have to bring everything with us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. For example, a 6-person, 1000-day mission might require 108 tonnes of food.
Read more »
CBS News poll: Most Americans favor U.S. returning to moon, going to MarsMany think the space program adds to feelings of national pride and patriotism, a CBS News poll shows.
Read more »