Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP)

Abstract

Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) provides responsive space and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) launch vehicle support to DoD and other government agencies using commercial launch systems and excess ballistic missile assets. The RSLP mission was established by the Secretary of Defense in 1972. The small launch program complements the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program with multiple options to acquire dedicated spacelift and rideshare services for developmental, demonstration, and small operational space vehicles. It provides mission planning, payload integration, vehicle acquisition, processing, 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 (Space Force, Navy, Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), etc.). RSLP maintains exclusive control of decommissioned Minuteman and Peacekeeper assets used in testing to include refurbishment, transportation and handling, storage, aging surveillance, and launch services. RSLP also funds general research, development, prototyping, integration, and supplemental reliability of flight testing efforts for launch to enhance the reliability of the Minotaur and other fleet vehicles (e.g., updates to the Modular Mechanical Ordnance Destruct System). 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 Rocket Systems Launch weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. The FY 2023 funding request was reduced by $1.079M to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. This program is in Budget Activity 6, RDT&E Management Support because this budget activity includes research, development, test and evaluation efforts and funds to sustain and/or modernize the installations or operations required for general research, development, test and evaluation.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 661023_1206860SF_6_3620F_PB_2023

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space