
The U.S. Space Force‘s Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded about $88 million in development contracts to U.S. launch providers for next generation rocket engine testing and upper stage resiliency enhancements. SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin received the awards announced Sept. 24. SpaceX will receive $14.47 million for Raptor rapid throttling and restart testing; liquid methane specification development and testing; and combustion stability analysis and testing. ULA will receive $24.35 million for uplink command and control for Centaur V. Rocket Lab will…