Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) said Monday it won a contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct a study on "retrieving rock samples from the Martian surface and bringing them to Earth for the first time."

The study proposes the use of the company's technologies to retrieve rock samples from Mars under NASA's Mars Sample Return Program, according to the statement. Rocket Lab USA said its study will explore a mission concept at a lower cost and shorter timeline.

No financial details were disclosed.

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