NASA has chosen five aerospace companies to conduct four-month concept studies for a potential future Mars orbiter mission.

This mission will continue with key capabilities including telecommunications and global high-resolution imaging in support of NASA's journey to Mars.

The companies selected are The Boeing Company in Huntington Beach, California; Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver; Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California; Orbital ATK in Dulles, Virginia; and Space Systems / Loral in Palo Alto, California.

NASA science mission directorate in Washington acting associate administrator Geoffrey Yoder said: "We're excited to continue planning for the next decade of Mars exploration."

"This mission will continue with key capabilities including telecommunications and global high-resolution imaging in support of NASA's journey to Mars."

These studies will address how a potential new Mars orbiter mission will be able to offer communications, imaging and operational capabilities.

Possibilities for supporting additional scientific instruments and functionalities will be assessed in addition to optical communications.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The orbiter concept under study will leverage use of solar electric propulsion to provide flexible launch, mission and orbit capabilities.

The Mars Exploration Programme Analysis Group, an entity intended to offer input to NASA from the Mars research science community, published a report six months ago on recommended science objectives for a Mars orbiter. These studies will offer input for assessing the feasibility of meeting the objectives.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) located in Pasadena, California, is managing the concept studies under Mars Exploration Programme.