Rocket Lab protests NASA's decision to award Blue Origin $700 million Mars orbiter contract

Rocket Lab formally initiated a legal challenge against NASA’s selection of Blue Origin for the Mars Orbiter System Replacement program on July 26, 2023. The company asserts that NASA disregarded established congressional guidelines regarding contractor eligibility when awarding the $700 million contract. Specifically, Rocket Lab contends that Blue Origin’s application failed to meet the requirements outlined by Congress concerning prior experience in similar missions. This protest centers around inconsistencies between NASA’s decision and the stipulations set forth by the legislative branch. Legal experts anticipate a protracted review process as Rocket Lab seeks to demonstrate why Blue Origin's bid was unsuitable.