National Security Space Launch

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1159704 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) is a U.S. government program that acquires launch services, aimed at ensuring continued access to space for critical national security missions. The U.S. Air Force oversaw NSSLs predecessor program, the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), and awarded four companies contracts to design a cost-effective launch vehicle system. The Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategy was to select one company to ensure national security space (NSS) launches were affordable and reliable. The EELV effort was prompted by significant increases in launch costs, procurement concerns, and the lack of competition among U.S. companies. Today, the NSSL programs main priority is mission success. A RAND study released April 2020 identified a magnitude of risk associated with assured access to space. As Congress continues its oversight of NSSL, it may consider examining DODs plan on the prioritization of the launch-related risks to ensure continued access to space and 100% mission success.

Author(s):
Mccall, Stephen M
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC
Funding Organization(s):
CONGRESS (US) WASHINGTON DC, WASHINGTON DC , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Congressional Report
Publication Date:
2022 Feb 03
Pagination:
3

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
air force, space force, national security, procurement, artificial satellites, department of defense, acquisition, launch vehicles, law, rocket engines, space systems, united states, vehicles, congress, contracts, security, competition
Keyword(s):
nssl (National Security Space Launch), Russian RD-180 rocket engines, lsa (Launch Service Agreements), lsp (launch service procurement)
Subject Categories:
Military Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Feb 14
Update Date:
2022 Mar 14