Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA Expands Launch Capabilities with SpaceX’s Starship
NASA has made a significant update to its collaboration with SpaceX, based in Starbase, Texas, by modifying the existing NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract to include the Starship vehicle alongside the already available Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch services.
The NLS II contracts encompass a diverse array of commercial launch services that cater to NASA’s missions, which include planetary exploration, Earth observation, and various scientific satellite deployments. These missions, recognized for their critical importance, benefit from comprehensive NASA oversight and assurances, thereby ensuring a high likelihood of successful launches.
Structured as multiple award contracts that offer indefinite delivery and quantity, the NLS II agreements are valid until June 2030, with overall performance extending to December 2032. Notably, there is an on-ramp provision included, enabling new launch service providers to join the initiative on an annual basis. This provision not only allows new entrants to compete for future missions but also gives existing contractors the flexibility to introduce additional launch services not currently included in their contracts.
This initiative aligns with the overarching goals and objectives set forth by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, as well as the Space Operations and Explorations Systems Development Mission Directorates, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Furthermore, the NLS II contracts allow NASA to extend launch services to other federal government entities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
The management of the NLS II contracts falls under NASA’s Launch Services Program Office, located at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For more information regarding NASA and its programs, interested parties can visit:
https://www.nasa.gov
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Source
www.nasa.gov