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Private Space Companies Delay Commercial Landing on Mars, Reschedule for 2026
Private space companies Impulse Space and Relativity Space have announced a two-year delay on their joint venture to land the first commercial mission to Mars for reasons that have not been explicitly specified. Originally scheduled for launch in 2024, the mission is now scheduled to launch sometime in 2026. Speaking at the Humans to Mars Summit in May 2021, executives from both companies unveiled plans for a normalised supply chain to Mars. They hope to send at least one mission for every launch window, which occurs every 26 months.
Reason Behind the Delay Could Be Related to Relativity Space’s Decision to Scrap Terran-1 Rocket
Impulse Space and Relativity Space first announced their plan for the commercial mission in July 2022. Both companies were to contribute to the mission, with Relativity Space’s Terran-1 rocket being instrumental to the project. However, after the Terran-1 rocket failed its inaugural flight in March 2021, the company decided to discontinue the project and focus on developing its successor, Terran-R. This is a 3D printed, medium-to-heavy lift orbital launch vehicle that can carry up to 33.5 metric tons to orbit. Impulse Space will contribute a Mars Cruise Vehicle and Mars Lander.
Terran-R and Other Key Components of the Mission
Terran-R is a vital component of the commercial mission, which requires regular trips to Mars for delivery of equipment, supplies, and eventually personnel. The vehicle is designed to accommodate the mission’s heavy lifting orbital launch vehicles, but Impulse Space will provide the Mars Cruise Vehicle and Mars Lander. Through these two components, the companies aim to become the first commercial venture to land on Mars and then discover or create a constant supply chain to the Red Planet.
The Commercial Space Industry: The Future is Now
The commercial space industry is changing the game. With companies like Rocket Lab setting their sights on launching the first commercial mission to Venus, exciting times lie ahead. However, we cannot ignore the risks that come with space exploration. The past few years have seen a few failed missions, with the most recent being ispace’s failed attempt to become the first private company to land on the moon. As companies race to make their mark in space, we must remember that space ventures need more experience before they manage to stick the landing.
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FAQs
What is the reason behind the delay?
The reason behind the delay has not yet been explicitly stated by the companies. However, it is speculated that Relativity Space’s decision to scrap the Terran-1 rocket and replace it with Terran-R is a key factor in the delay.
What vehicles will be used for the commercial mission to Mars?
The Terran-R rocket from Relativity Space and the Mars Cruise Vehicle and Mars Lander from Impulse Space will be used for the commercial mission to Mars.
What is Terran-R, and what is it capable of?
Terran-R is Relativity Space’s 3D printed, medium-to-heavy lift orbital launch vehicle, which can carry up to 33.5 metric tons to orbit. It is a crucial component of the commercial mission to Mars.
What is the goal of the commercial mission to Mars?
The goal of the commercial mission to Mars is to become the first commercial venture to land on Mars and to discover or create a normalised supply chain to the Red Planet.
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