FOR THE FIRST TIME NASA HAS ASKED INDUSTRY ABOUT PRIVATE MISSIONS TO MARS

Summary from the TLDR newsletter

NASA is taking its first steps towards opening a commercial pathway to Mars. Jet Propulsion Laboratory has issued a new solicitation titled 'Exploring Mars Together: Commercial Services Studies'. The request asks for proposals from the US space industry on how they would complete one of four private missions to Mars. The missions include delivering small satellites to orbit and providing imaging services around the red planet. NASA plans to award multiple contracts of $200,000 for one study or up to $300,000 for a maximum of two studies. Details about the studies are available in the article.