Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP)

Abstract

Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) is tasked to provide responsive space and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) launch vehicle support to DoD and other government agencies using excess ballistic missile assets. The RSLP mission was established by the Secretary of Defense in 1972. It provides mission planning, payload integration, vehicle acquisition, processing, and launch operations, booster storage and disposition, aging surveillance, maintenance and logistics support for selected DoD responsive space and RDT&E launches. Costs directly attributable to a specific launch or program (e.g. reliability of flight testing, maintenance of launch vehicle processing infrastructure) are paid by the user (Air Force, Navy, Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Operationally Responsive Space (ORS), Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), etc.). RSLP maintains exclusive control of deactivated Minuteman and Peacekeeper assets used in testing to include refurbishment, transportation and handling, storage, and launch services. RSLP also funds general research and development efforts for launch to enhance the reliability of the Minotaur fleet vehicles (e.g., Minotaur IV third stage gas generator diffuser modification). In FY12 RSLP is expanding launch services activities to include new providers. An updated acquisition strategy and new contract are in work. This program is in Budget Activity 06 - RDT&E Management Support, since RSLP provides research and development effort and/or operations support for general research and development use.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
0605860F_6_3600_PB_2012
Change Summary Explanation
FY10: $17.9M ATR for Minotaur IV Recovery. FY12: $135M for Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) launch. This is a new start in FY12. The program funding includes overhead reduction efficiencies that are not intended to impact program content. The efficiencies reductions total $0.406M in FY12. The program funding includes reductions for economic adjustments totaling $0.527M.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Deep Space
  • Efficiency
  • Flight Testing
  • Infrastructure
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Inventory
  • Inventory Control
  • Launch Vehicles
  • Maintenance
  • Rockets
  • Surveillance
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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