The Defense Department is studying the feasibility of leveraging international launch vehicles for national security space access as a backup plan should the department be unable to maintain competitive launch assurance, according to an Air Force spokeswoman. Capt. AnnMarie Annicelli told Inside the Air Force June 13 that Congress directed the department as part of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act to consider options for providing assured access to space should one or more certified launch vehicles...