The Air Force let a $900 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for space launch services under the Rocket Systems Launch Program, announced the Pentagon. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin, Orbital Sciences, and Space Exploration Technologies will provide launch vehicles through November 2017, states the contract description, which is included in the Defense Department’s Dec. 3 list of major contracts. RSLP utilizes commercial launch systems as well as deactivated Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBM motors to place small spacecraft into a variety of orbits for DOD and other government agencies.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…