NASA May Finally Replace Mars Relay Network

After decades of delays, NASA is closer to building the Mars Telecommunications Network, a dedicated high-bandwidth relay in Mars orbit. The current Mars Relay Network relies on aging craft: Mars Odyssey (25 years), Mars Express (23 years), ExoMars TGO and MRO, while MAVEN was lost in December 2025.

• Mars Odyssey has orbited Mars for 25 years, Mars Express for 23
• MAVEN was lost in December 2025 and the mission officially ended
• The Mars Telecommunications Orbiter was cancelled in the 2000s over budget
• Perseverance and Curiosity carry their own direct-to-Earth radios