SpaceX has reached a cooperation agreement with NASA for its 2018 Mars mission. This deal will see NASA providing technical support to the company, and SpaceX sharing data on the performance of its spacecraft.

AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD PARTNERSHIP

If you are a leading space exploration institution, it seems that your current target is Mars. NASA wants to get there, but it’s going to take a lot of work. Which is why it sought out a partner. SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket company, has struck a deal with NASA, who has pledged to support SpaceX in preparing and executing its 2018 unmanned mission to Mars.
SpaceX is looking to launch the Red Dragon Mars mission by 2018, one that will see testing of important systems needed for a manned Mars mission. Elon Musk has been cagey with details, but is expected to say more during a global space conference in Mexico in September.