Rocket Lab Protests NASA’s $700M Mars Award, Citing Flawed Selection Process

Rocket Lab formally protested NASA’s decision to award a $700 million Mars communications orbiter contract to Blue Origin.

The company filed the challenge with the U.S. Government Accountability Office. This filing could pause all work on the contract pending a formal review.

Rocket Lab alleges the selection process violated eligibility criteria mandated by Congress. The company characterized NASA’s technical review as punitive and containing incorrect conclusions.

Rocket Lab shares declined in overnight trading following the announcement.