:

NASA Launches Competition for Smaller, More Affordable Rockets

Monday, May 11th, 2015

SHARE:

NASA Launches Competition for Smaller, More Affordable Rockets

A recent Atlas V launch for the MUOS-3 program from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Photo: ULA.

NASA has launched a competition to find a more affordable way to launch small satellites into space, freeing up funding for the science the spacecraft are designed to perform once in orbit.A draft request for proposals (RFP) was issued May 7 for what NASA calls the Venture Class Launches Services (VCLS) program, which would be the smallest class of rockets used by NASA. VCLS is envisioned as a commercial launch vehicle that can affordably launch small satellites, often called CubeSats,…

Army

Lawmakers Request DoD Briefing On Army’s Planned Cuts To Aviation Procurement

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has sent a letter asking the Pentagon for a briefing on the potential industrial base impacts as a result of the Army’s planned cuts […]

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]