Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN)

SOL #: 80GSFC26MTN011Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

National Aeronautics And Space Administration

NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

GREENBELT, MD, 20771, United States

Place of Performance

Greenbelt, MD

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (517410)

PSC

Network Services Delivered As A Service, By Subscription, Or Service Contract. Physical And Wireless Networks Managed As A Service Connected To And From Core Data Centers, Work Areas, And Offices Connecting End Users To The Organization's Broader Networks. Network Services Delivered In Connection With Other Iaa S And Paa S Services. Cloud Based Network Management Services And Software Defined Networks (Sdn) Accessed By Service Contract Or Subscriptions. (DG10)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/8d62c4b2c0b74f3bb5ce0f8bbdda1bf6/view

Timeline

Posted

Feb 23, 2026

Last Updated

Mar 3, 2026

Response Deadline

Mar 10, 2026, 6:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons

NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.

Risks

Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.

Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is conducting a presolicitation for the Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), formerly Mars Telecommunications Orbiter (MTO). This opportunity seeks a high-performance Mars telecommunications orbiter to provide robust, continuous communication for Mars sample return, surface, orbital, and human exploration missions. NASA is currently soliciting feedback on the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document." Responses are due March 10, 2026.

Opportunity Details

This procurement is mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, which requires a competitively bid, firm fixed-price contract with a United States commercial provider. The MTN system will encompass design, development, integration, launch, and on-orbit operations, supporting autonomous operations, onboard processing, and extended mission duration.

Scope of Work (from Preliminary Requirements Document)

Operational Lifetime: Minimum 5 years post-readiness.
Communication: Robust proximity link continuity for Mars assets, non-real-time store-and-forward capabilities (1.0 Tbyte DWE, 0.5 Tbyte Proximity), and concurrent full duplex operations.
Data Rates: DWE up to 100 Mbps; UHF Proximity Link ≥ 2 Mbps (goal ≥ 8 Mbps); Advanced Proximity Link > 25 Mbps (goal > 100 Mbps).
Hardware Delivery: By December 31, 2028.
Operational Readiness: By end of calendar year 2030 (goal: 2029).
Key Features: Cybersecurity, command link encryption, planetary protection, orbital debris compliance, Doppler & Ranging, CCSDS protocol, legacy and Deep Space Network (DSN) compatibility.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Presolicitation (Draft RFP forthcoming)
Set-Aside: None specified at this stage
NAICS: 517410 – Satellite Communication ($44M size standard)
Response Due: March 10, 2026, 2:00 PM EST
Published: February 23, 2026 (updated Feb 24, 2026)

Submission & Evaluation

Potential offerors are encouraged to submit feedback (NLT 5 pages) on the "MTN Objectives and Requirements Document" via email to Alisha Mercadante (alisha.m.mercadante@nasa.gov). This feedback is for information only. NASA anticipates an advisory multi-step process (FAR 15.101(e)) where nonbinding informational submissions will be requested to assess statutory compliance and potential viability as competitors. This notice is for planning purposes only and not a commitment by the Government.