The United States Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center recently awarded two contracts for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) services. Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) received a $297 million firm-fixed-price contract for three intended orbit launches. This type of launch typically pertains to setting a satellite at a predetermined spot in space to begin its orbit.
Colorado-based United Launch Alliance (ULA), which is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, was awarded a $441 million firm-fixed-price contract for three similar launches. Both contracts provide the U.S. Government with a total launch solution for these missions, which includes launch vehicle production, mission integration, launch operations and spaceflight certification.
It’s being reported that these deals match EELV goals of simultaneously delivering continued access to space and doing so in an affordable manner. Officials also like the competitive dynamic that has been put in place as more players join the commercial launch marketplace.
The SMC is located in El Segundo, California. In addition to the EELV program, it also develops and manages a network of GPS, military satellite communications, meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space-based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.