The Air Force has tasked SpaceX to provide the space launch vehicles for two Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-class missions, announced the company on Wednesday. This marks the first time that the company has secured launch work for these types of national security space missions, states the company’s Dec. 5 release. It also represents some first fruit from the Air Force’s efforts to make it possible for new launch providers to enter the market for such missions. Currently the Air Force uses United Launch Alliance Delta IV and Atlas V rockets. Space X will provide one of its Falcon 9 rockets for the Deep Space Climate Observatory launch in late 2014, and a Falcon Heavy for the Space Test Program 2 mission in mid 2015, states the release. These launches are expected to occur from the company’s new launch pad at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. “SpaceX deeply appreciates and is honored by the vote of confidence shown by the Air Force in our Falcon launch vehicles,” said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The company intends to fly the new Falcon Heavy configuration for the first time next year. (See also Erosion Control and Space Launch Contract Takes Off.)
U.S. Northern Command plans to sign an agreement with its European and Pacific counterparts to enhance coordination and close security seams in the Arctic, a strategically vital region that spans all three commands. The agreement comes at an important moment in NORTHCOM's evolution, as its mission grows more complex.
