Space Force Awards Launch Prototype Awards to SpaceX, ULA, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin

摘要

The U.S. Space Force‘s Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded about $88 million indevelopment contracts to U.S. launch providers for next generation rocket engine testing andupper 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 methanespecification development and testing; and combustion stability analysis and testing. ULA willreceive $24.35 million for uplink command and control for Centaur V. Rocket Lab will receive$24.35 million for development of the Neutron rocket upper stage, and Blue Origin will receive$24.35 million for cryogenic fluid management for the New Glenn rocket second stage.