Space Force seeks prototypes for launch technology

The Space and Missile Systems Center's Launch Enterprise released three prototype requests this week, calling on industry to submit proposals for next-generation rocket propulsion testing, upper stage resiliency enhancements and orbital maneuvering capabilities.

Col. Rob Bongiovi, director of the Launch Enterprise, said in a May 12 press release the requests for prototype proposals (RPPs) are part of the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 strategy. The service intends to utilize the Space Enterprise Consortium to award other transaction agreements.

"We are eager to work with SpEC to maximize acquisition flexibility and speed to award the next-generation rocket engine testing and upper stage resiliency enhancements other transaction [agreements] by September 2021 and the orbital transfer and maneuver capabilities OTs in early 2022," Bongiovi said in the release.

The start of Phase 3 prototyping follows the Space Force's selection last year of SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to be its Phase 2 launch providers. Last November, the service issued a request for information seeking input as it develops an acquisition strategy that considers capabilities that enable space access, mobility and logistics.

"These RPPs represent the start of the next phase of the NSSL strategy and underpin NSSL phase 3 efforts for a full and open procurement competition in FY-24," the release states.

The release notes that SpEC expects to release 11 projects worth up to $1.5 billion over the next year.