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ScienceMay 19, 2026

One Mars spacecraft, two senators, and a cloud of questions

One Mars spacecraft, two senators, and a cloud of questions
Image source: Ars Technica Space
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I think there's plenty of fire lit under them already.

" NASA released a much-anticipated contract solicitation for a Mars-orbiting spacecraft late last week, kicking off what is sure to be a hotly contested and potentially controversial procurement.

At issue is $700 million, already appropriated by Congress, to build a spacecraft, launch it to Mars, and once there to serve as a vehicle to relay communications between the red planet and Earth.

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