Next Generation Launch System Investment

Abstract

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. NSSL Phase 2 development, started late FY 2014, funds research and development activities and related studies, to include, but not limited to, investments 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 develop technologies for space access, mobility, and logistics (SAML) through multiple public-private partnerships; help sustain the U.S. industrial base; address emergent needs for launch-related space access and lower procurement costs by promoting competition. Examples include, but are not limited to, orbital transfer, on-orbit servicing, digital engineering, debris removal and novel on-orbit propulsion technologies. The Space Force will continue investments in the Launch Service Agreement (LSA) public-private partnership with United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur for launch system development. In addition, the Space Force will complete rocket propulsion system (RPS) with Aerojet Rocketdyne for the RL10 upper stage engine development and the associated technical maturation program. Future development to capitalize on new technology and innovations developed by industry may continue to utilize public-private partnerships. The Space Force will also be leveraging opportunities to integrate Department of Defense payloads on to launch services procured commercially or by other Government agencies (e.g. NASA) where excess margin is available. Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. Space Systems Command (SSC) is transforming the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, to increase 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, SSC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose existing 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 1206392SF and 1206398SF. 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, 2024
• Source ID: 650006_1206853SF_5_3620F_PB_2024

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Defense Technology Research and Development.

Technology Areas

• Space