Interested companies have until Dec. 15 to respond to the service’s dual requests for proposals: one for the critical, high-dollar NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches; and the other for Lane 1 small launches.
By Theresa HitchensWhile Space Systems Command hasn’t publicly expressed concerns, outside observers point out that there is a real possibility that only Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be able to undertake National Security Space Launches in the next few years.
By Theresa Hitchens“We developed an acquisition strategy consisting of a dual-lane approach that provides access to diverse commercially available systems,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Space Force’s acquisition lead for space launch.
By Theresa Hitchens“Key for us is allowing on-ramps, allowing for some smaller launches to have a chance,” a senior Space Force official told Breaking Defense, in order to avoid billion-dollar “Titan-era prices.”
By Theresa HitchensChief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond said should a year-long continuing resolution come to pass, the disruption for sat launches would “ripple” for years.
By Theresa Hitchens“Hopefully we’ll be all right and they (ULA) won’t have any additional scheduled steps. But I think the strategy has actually been demonstrated to be a good thing,” Air Force Frank Kendall says.
By Colin ClarkSpace acquisition reform so far has been focused on “small dollar” activities, with most big-ticket programs such as NSSL stuck in the bad old ways, says a new report by Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
By Theresa HitchensRAND is warning Congress and the Air Force “that there may not be enough resources right now being allocated to launch” to mitigate the risks in NSSL acquisition plans.
By Theresa Hitchens“I don’t think this appreciably changes the competitive landscape, except that it provides more time for congressional appeals by the competitors,” said one former DoD official about the GAO protest decision.
By Theresa HitchensULA CEO Tony Bruno says he “would not be surprised” if the Air Force National Security Space Launch Phase 3 competition includes a requirement for responsive launch.
By Theresa HitchensOne space expert, with no skin in the NSSL game, opined that for the most part Blue Origin’s protest is “simply whining,” and characterized SpaceX’s lawsuit as “sour grapes.”
By Theresa Hitchens
Given the critical nature of National Security Space Launch, winners of the competition to replace the Atlas V and its Russian-made RD-180s engines should have the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen events, the self-knowledge and willingness to work closely with the Air Force, and a record of excellent performance to avoid wasteful contract award protests.…
By Mark Gunzinger