Launch Service Procurement
GAO’s annual review of DoD programs raises concerns on space launch, missile warning satellites
Technical challenges in the development of ULA's Vulcan rocket could prevent DoD from ending its reliance on the Russian-made RD-180 rocket engine by 2022 as required by Congress, said GAO.
Study calls on U.S. to change how it buys space technology, reduce congestion in low orbits
The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress released a new report May 4 calling on the U.S. government to accelerate the procurement of commercial space technologies and manage growing congestion in low-Earth orbit.
Space Force to create ‘one-stop shop’ for launch procurement and operations
The U.S. Space Force is consolidating oversight of space launch activities under a two-star general who will be the deputy commander of Space Systems Command.
Space Force awards ULA, SpaceX contracts for four national security missions
ULA received $224. 2 million for two missions named USSF-112 and USSF-87. SpaceX got $159.7 million for USSF-36 and NROL-69.
Traditional launch services may not suit the needs of the future Space Force
How the Pentagon buys launch services in the future could change as the military considers using emerging technologies and services known as “space mobility and logistics.”
Senate defense appropriators take issue with agencies that buy launch services directly from providers
Senate defense appropriators criticized the practice by some agencies of procuring launch services directly from commercial providers.
SpaceX explains why the U.S. Space Force is paying $316 million for a single launch
Gwynne Shotwell explained the contract pays for launch services but also covers expenses for infrastructure required for national security launches.
DoD watchdog: There’s nothing wrong with how Air Force certifies new launch vehicles
The DoD IG was asked to look at whether the Air Force complied with its own guidelines when it certified SpaceX’s rockets to launch national security payloads.
Space Force: Too early to say if military will need ‘super heavy’ launch vehicles
Brig. Gen. Cothern: What type of launch vehicles will be needed “depends on the threats."
ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired
NROL-44 is the first of the final five missions to be flown by Delta 4 Heavy between now and 2024
Northrop Grumman weighing exit options for OmegA rocket
Northrop Grumman statement: “We will determine next steps once the debriefing process concludes."
SpaceX pressing on with protest against U.S. Air Force despite launch contract win
SpaceX reiterates its claim made in a May 2019 protest that the Air Force harmed the company by denying it a Launch Service Agreement award.
Tory Bruno on ULA’s big win: ‘We knew we were going to be competitive’
Bruno said the recent Phase 2 contract awards show ULA's pricing is competitive.
Air Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests
Following the Phase 2 decision, the Air Force is preparing for the possibility of contractor protests.
News Analysis | With Pentagon award, SpaceX joins the establishment
Six years ago, SpaceX was the upstart launch company seeking to break United Launch Alliance’s monopoly on national security space launches. Now, it’s part of the establishment.
Pentagon picks SpaceX and ULA to remain its primary launch providers
The Pentagon has selected SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to conduct potentially dozens of national security launches between fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2027
Smith encouraged by Senate NDAA proposal to increase funding for space launch technology
HASC Chairman Adam Smith: . “I want to make sure there’s competition.”
HASC Chairman adds $150 million in NDAA for space launch technology development
The $150 million addition is for investments focused on the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 competition.
SMC commander impressed by ‘technical maturity’ of newly developed U.S. rockets
Thompson: 'What I'm seeing right now across the launch industrial base is a lot of goodness.'
Political fight continues over Air Force launch services procurement
A May 29 letter signed by 28 lawmakers asks the Air Force to not cave to pressure to add a third provider in the Phase 2 launch services procurement.
