The private Impulse Space firm which is planning a private lander mission to Mars has booked its ride for its way to the planet. It has announced that its Mars Cruise Vehicle and Mars Lander will take a flight on board Relativity Space’s Terran reusable rocket. The launch, which will inject the pair into a Trans Mars orbit will be from Cape Canaveral Florida, could theoretically occur in 2024-25 as the first suitable launch window. The agreement between Impulse Space and Relatively Space runs until 2029 meaning that a later launch window is probably more likely depending on spacecraft readiness.
After a nine month voyage the landing craft will separate from the Mars Cruise Vehicle and enter the Martian atmosphere. After deployment of its protective aeroshell the lander will then use on board engines to make a soft landing on the planet. The financial details of the mission or the launch booking have not been revealed.
Impulse Space Mars Lander makes a soft touch down in this video animation still. Courtesy: Impulse Space/Relativity Space
