Another Competitive Launch

The Air Force released a request for proposal Thursday for an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle launch scheduled for June 2019. The service will award a firm-fixed price contract for the launch service supporting the Space Test Program-3 mission, according to a Los Angeles AFB, Calif., release. The deal calls for a total launch solution with launch vehicle production, mission integration, and launch operations. The primary space vehicle will host the National Nuclear Security Administration, Space and Atmospheric Burst Reporting System-3 and NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration among other payloads, according to the release. “Through this solicitation for STP-3, we hope to promote healthy competition in order to foster innovation while securing Assured Access to Space through multiple reliable, affordable and efficient launch service providers,” said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force program executive officer for space, according to the release. In August, the service requested competitive bids for the next GPS III satellite launch.