Rocket Lab USA awarded $14.49 million for STP-S30 launch by US Space Force

Rocket Lab USA awarded $14.49 million for STP-S30 launch by US Space Force
by Staff and Agency Writers
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 09, 2024

The U.S. Space Force's Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico, part of the Space Systems Command (SSC)'s Assured Access to Space (AATS) organization, has been awarded a $14.49 million task order to Rocket Lab USA, Inc. for the Space Test Program (STP)-S30 launch service. STP-S30 is a major mission that will deliver research experiments and technology demonstrations to orbit for the DoD and contribute to future space systems development.

Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle will deliver 200 kg of STP satellites to low earth orbit with a planned launch date in April 2026.

"Procuring this launch service has been an incredible opportunity to engage with U.S. space launch providers and make a meaningful impact on advancing space research for the DoD. Space Systems Command R and D missions provide an important capability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and military utility for emerging space technology," said Capt. Jeremiah Williams, program manager for the mission procurement.

"Enabling this transition from science to application is critical to maintaining the technological advantage of the United States and its allies in space," said Williams. "With the STP-S30 task order, SSC is using a streamlined mission assurance approach and leveraging the proven flight performance of Rocket Lab to give the research programs manifesting their satellites confidence in a timely and successful launch."

The STP-S30 mission will provide orbital launch services for the DoD Space Test Program (STP). The DoD STP advances the maturation of space-based warfighter technologies across the DoD enterprise by providing space access solutions for all research and development-related DoD auxiliary payloads on DoD, civil, and commercial launches and for all non-DoD auxiliary payloads seeking launch opportunities on DoD missions.

STP selected payloads for STP-S30 via the DoD Space Experiments Review Board (SERB). The projected primary payload, DISKSat, will demonstrate sustained very low earth orbit (VLEO) flight and test a unique, 1-meter diameter, disk-shaped satellite bus that is designed to increase on-orbit persistence. VLEO capabilities enable improvements to imaging resolution, communications monitoring, and atmospheric measurements. The contract requirements have been tailored to allow STP greater flexibility to finalize the manifest during contract performance, ensuring STP-S30 delivers the highest priority research and development satellites possible.

OSP-4 allows for the rapid acquisition of launch services to meet mission requirements enabling launch within 12-24 months from Task Order award on a competitive basis. OSP-4 also allows for periodic on-ramps throughout the ordering period to ensure emerging, innovative launch providers can compete for future missions.

SSC is the U.S. Space Force's field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation's strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the DoD and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, and academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.