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Blue Origin's MTO to Boost NASA's 2028 Mars Missions

8/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Blue Origin aims to assist NASA's Mars missions with a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO) set for a 2028 launch.
The MTO will improve communication between Earth and Mars for robotic and human missions.
It incorporates hybrid propulsion and builds on earlier relay and sample return concepts.
NASA's 2028 Mars Sample Return plan is experiencing delays and budget challenges.

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Story summary

Blue Origin aims to assist NASA's Mars missions with a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO) set for a 2028 launch.
The MTO will improve communication between Earth and Mars for robotic and human missions.
It incorporates hybrid propulsion and builds on earlier relay and sample return concepts.
NASA's 2028 Mars Sample Return plan is experiencing delays and budget challenges.