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 non-Space Force users (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 a variety of launch vehicles using RSLP motors for suborbital and orbital missions (e.g., updates to the Modular Mechanical Ordnance Destruct System). While the corresponding RSLP Procurement, Space Force line is set to 0 due to no planned procurements of Space Force funded missions, the activities funded by this RDT&E line are still required to safely store and maintain the RSLP inventory of launch assets. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver 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. In PY 0.0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in CY 0.180M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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, 2025
- Source ID
- 661023_1206860SF_6_3620F_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Rocket Systems Launch Program (SPACE)
- Child Accomplishment: Storage/Refurbishment/Flight Readiness/Demil
- Child Accomplishment: Aging Surveillance
- Child Accomplishment: Other Launch Support Services