NASA Awards Launch
Services Contract To SpaceX
(22 April 2008) NASA has awarded Space
Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, a NASA Launch Services contract for the
Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles.
The NASA Launch Services
contracts are multiple awards to multiple launch service providers. Twice per
year, there is an opportunity for existing and emerging domestic launch service
providers to submit proposals if their vehicles meet the minimum contract
requirements.
The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity
(IDIQ) contract where NASA may order launch services through June 30, 2010, for
launches to occur through December 2012. Under the NASA Launch Services IDIQ
contracts, the potential total contract value is between US$ 20,000 and US$ 1
billion, depending on the number of missions awarded.
The contract seeks
a launch capability for payloads weighing 551 pounds or heavier into a circular
orbit of 124 miles at an orbital inclination of 28.5 degrees. Payloads would be
launched to support three NASA mission directorates: Science, Space Operations
and Exploration Systems.
Because an IDIQ contract has been awarded to
SpaceX, it can compete for NASA missions using the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch
vehicles as specified by the NASA Launch Services contract
process.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is
responsible for program management. This award to SpaceX adds to the stable of
launch vehicles available to NASA under previously awarded contracts. The
original request for proposal was issued in 1999.
(source:
NASA)
