Launch Service Procurement
ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman submit bids for national security launch procurement contract
ULA and SpaceX currently launch the bulk of U.S. national security satellites while Northrop Grumman and Blue Origin are looking to break in.
Blue Origin files protest over ‘flawed’ Air Force launch procurement
Blue Origin filed a “pre-award” protest with the GAO, arguing that the rules set by the Air Force do not allow for a fair and open competition.
DoD reports higher costs for National Security Space Launch program
NSSL costs over the entire life of the program increased 7.2% — from $57.2 billion to $61.3 billion.
House passes NDAA, keeps HASC chairman Smith’s space launch reforms alive
Proposed changes to the National Security Space Launch program that Smith introduced in the HASC version of the NDAA made it into the House bill.
White House challenges HASC Space Corps language, strongly objects to space launch provisions in NDAA
On the National Security Space Launch program, the administration “strongly objects” to HASC language “as it would increase mission risk for the nation’s national security satellites.”
Vandenberg wooing tenants as launch activity slows down
30th Space Wing commander: “In order to achieve polar orbit there is no better place to be than Vandenberg."
Air Force to continue to push back on proposed space launch legislation
Air Force says having more than two launch contractors in Phase 2 puts missions at risk.
Smith to continue to press for change in national security space launch program
Smith so far has not been happy with the Air Force’s response to his concerns about the launch program.
House Armed Services’ space launch legislation revised in 11th-hour deal
The amended language retained two key provisions that help SpaceX and Blue Origin, and removed two others that were opposed by ULA.
SpaceX gets a boost from House Armed Services Committee 2020 NDAA markup
Smith’s mark does not disrupt the LSP schedule and only directs some changes to the rules of the competition.
Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award
In the days since the May 3 release of the Air Force’s formal call for proposals for the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement, new squabbles have arisen as bidders scrutinize the final solicitation for anything that might tilt the competition in a rival’s favor.
SpaceX launches new legal battle against U.S. Air Force
Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman and United Launch Alliance have filed 'motions to intervene' in the lawsuit filed by SpaceX against the U.S. government
ULA CEO Bruno: Launch industry challenged by tougher national security missions
The launch competition the Air Force kicked off last week will test rockets' capabilities to reach higher orbits and lift heavier payloads.
Air Force requests bids for space launch services, will select two companies in 2020
“We must move forward now," said Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson.
Pushback continues as Air Force prepares to request bids for space launch services
HASC Chairman Adam Smith is said to be unsatisfied with the Air Force’s response to his concerns about the Launch Service Procurement competition.
Air Force insists launch competition must stay on schedule
The upcoming release of the Air Force RPF for launch services was a hot topic last week at the 35th Space Symposium
