NASA Awards $17 Million in Contracts to Seven Companies for Mars Robotic Mobility
NASA has selected seven companies to develop next-generation robotic surface mobility technologies for future Mars missions under its Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration (STRIDE) initiative.
The awards, with a combined potential value of approximately $17 million, will support the development of commercial robotic mobility systems capable of traversing more challenging Martian terrain, traveling greater distances, and accessing scientifically valuable regions beyond the reach of current technologies.
Work is expected to begin in fall 2026.
The selected companies are:
- AV (AeroVironment, Inc)
- Astrobotic
- Venturi Astrolab (Astrolab)
- Ground Control Robotics
- Honeybee Robotics, a Blue Origin Company
- Intuitive Machines
- MEI Technologies (Aegis Aerospace Inc.)
NASA said the STRIDE initiative reinforces its commitment to public-private partnerships by encouraging commercial innovation while identifying key technology gaps for future Mars exploration.
The program is intended to mature robotic mobility capabilities that could support upcoming scientific and exploration missions on the Red Planet.
