The Space and Missiles Systems Center and SpaceX amended the cooperative research and development agreement to include “all of the independent review committee’s recommendations,” according to an Air Force release. “I am very pleased with all we have accomplished. The updated CRADA captures important lessons learned along the way about the process and allows the flexibility to certify Space X when ready, while maintaining our ‘laser focus on mission success,’” said SMC Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. The Air Force expects to certify SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch system for national security space launches “no later than June 2015,” states the release. “SpaceX welcomes these actions,” said Gwynne Shotwell, company president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to completing the certification process and competing for EELV missions.”
Pentagon leaders, eager to move fast and avoid pitfalls that have plagued defense acquisition in the past, are handing authorities and oversight for some of their biggest programs to officers outside the traditional structure. But the Air Force and Space Force four-stars given those responsibilities say they don’t intend their jobs to be a permanent change to the system.