16:52 - 5.03.2026

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March 5, Fineko/abc.az. NASA presented Mars orbital communications network project, Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), financed by $700 million in the 2025 budget. The spacecraft should be launched no later than the end of 2028 and provide reliable communications for all current and future missions to Mars until at least 2035.

ABC.AZ informs that MTN will be responsible for data transmission, navigation and positioning, support speeds of up to 100 Mbps with direct communication with Earth and work in conjunction with the Deep Space Network. Scientific instruments are not provided on board - the device will focus entirely on communications.

Companies previously involved in the Mars Sample Return program, including Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, SpaceX and others, are allowed to participate. The winner will ensure the launch and operation of a network that will form the basis of communication for future, including manned, missions to Mars and sample delivery to Earth.