Next Generation Launch System Investment

Abstract

In FY 2021, PE 1206853F, National Security Space Launch Program efforts were transferred to Appropriation 3620, Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Space Force, PE 1206853SF, National Security Space Launch Program from Appropriation 3600, Budget Activity 05 due to the creation of a new Appropriation for Space Force. The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program provides a space launch service that satisfies the government's National Launch Forecast (NLF) requirements to place National Security Space (NSS) space vehicles on orbit. NSSL is a launch service, not a weapon system, which is primarily funded with production funds. This program, started late FY 2014, funds research and development activities and related studies, to include, but not limited to, items necessary to invest in new and/or upgraded launch systems and associated launch facilities to meet NSS launch needs leveraging domestic commercial launch providers. The RDT&E program will also fund continued research and development activities, mission manifest capability development & future studies for emerging NSS launch needs. These efforts will inform for future launch service development initiatives in order to continue sustained industry competition for Phase 3 starting in FY 2025 and future procurements. The Air Force is investing in Launch Service Agreement (LSA) public-private partnerships for the development of new and/or upgraded domestic launch systems with commercial launch service providers. The anticipated result is two domestic, commercial launch service providers that will meet all current NSS launch requirements. In addition, the Air Force is continuing a technical maturation program to address the highest risks for rocket propulsion system (RPS) and LSA development. Development of the required RPSs have continued under the LSA public-private partnerships. Future development to capitalize on new technology and innovations developed by industry may continue to utilize public-private partnerships. The Air Force will also be leveraging opportunities to integrate Department of Defense payloads on to launch services procured commercially or by other Government agencies (i.e. NASA) where excess margin is available. Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) is transforming the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, maximizing innovation and resiliency, leveraging international, commercial, and mission partnerships, and managing program/project priorities according to an integrated unclassified/classified enterprise space architecture. Expanding the appropriate acquisition authorities and contract mechanisms to deliver capability sooner, SMC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or re-purpose capabilities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver NSSL system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392F and 1206398F. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 650006_1206853F_5_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Defense Technology Research and Development.

Technology Areas

• Space