NASA picks Eric Schmidt's rocket firm for Mars mission and selects first European Artemis astronaut

Daily Mail — Science—NASA selected Relativity Space, led by tech billionaire Eric Schmidt, for a 2028 Mars mission contract, signaling the agency's continued reliance on private space companies for deep-space exploration. The Verge and international outlets confirmed the contract award, which will see Relativity Space's rockets used to launch a mission to the red planet. In a separate announcement, NASA also named its first European astronaut to an Artemis Moon mission, expanding the international character of the lunar exploration program. The Artemis III astronaut selections, however, drew public criticism and backlash, with critics questioning some of the picks. NASA is navigating a complex moment balancing private-sector partnerships, international collaboration, and public scrutiny of its astronaut selection process.

• Daily Mail — Science — NASA's Artemis III astronaut selections drew public backlash and criticism over the chosen candidates.
• Deutsche Welle — NASA separately named its first European astronaut to an Artemis Moon mission.
• The Indian Express — Relativity Space won the NASA Mars contract under Eric Schmidt's leadership.
• The Verge — NASA selected Eric Schmidt's Relativity Space for a 2028 mission to Mars.