NASA Climbs Aboard SpaceX’ Falcon

NASA Launch Services contract are multiple awards assigned to many launch service providers. Twice each year, existing and emerging domestic launch service providers may submit proposals to NASA placing them into consideration for these contracts, if their vehicles meet the minimum contract requirements. And Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)as managed to succeed in such an endeavor. NASA Launch Services has awarded a contract to the firm’s Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles. This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, where NASA may order launch services through June 30, 2010, for launches that will occur through December of 2012. The potential total contract value is between 20K/USD and 1B/USD, 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°. Payloads would be launched to support three NASA mission directorates: Science, Space Operations, and Exploration Systems. As an IDIQ contract has been awarded to SpaceX, the company may now 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—Washington, D.C.