An illustration of Rocket Lab’s proposed Earth Return Orbiter, which would capture a container of samples launched from the Martian surface to return to Earth. Credit: Rocket Lab
An illustration of Rocket Lab’s proposed Earth Return Orbiter, which would capture a container of samples launched from the Martian surface to return to Earth. Credit: Rocket Lab

We are in an era where planetary science no longer depends on government missions. Commercial capabilities are mature and ready to deliver a higher cadence of planetary exploration that fits within proposed budgets. What’s missing is an operational model that matches ambition.

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Sir Peter Beck is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Lab, a Nasdaq-listed leading launch and space systems company opening access to space to improve life on Earth. Rocket Lab’s capabilities span the space economy, including...