Space Force Seeks New Partners for $986 Million OSP-4 Launch Services Contract

Space Force Seeks New Partners for $986 Million OSP-4 Launch Services Contract
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 18, 2024

The U.S. Space Force, through its Small Launch and Targets Division located at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has officially issued a call for additional service providers to join the Orbital Services Program (OSP)-4. This move, spearheaded by the Space Systems Command's (SSC) Assured Access to Space (AATS) initiative, aims to broaden the roster of launch providers eligible for the program's mission contracts. OSP-4, part of the broader Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), is designed to streamline the procurement of launch services for payloads exceeding 400 pounds, ensuring readiness for launch within 12 to 24 months post-task order issuance.

This contract, boasting a ceiling of $986 million and open for orders until October 2028, fosters competition among awardees for each mission, thereby enhancing the Space Force's launch capabilities. Lt. Col. Justin Beltz, head of the SSC's Small Launch and Targets Division, emphasized the critical role of OSP-4 in the Space Force's launch strategy, noting its complement to the National Security Space Launch program. Beltz highlighted the adaptability and urgency small launches bring to the table, underscoring the significance of incorporating new industry solutions to tackle the evolving challenges and opportunities within the space launch sector.

OSP-4's commitment to fostering tactical responsiveness and flexibility was demonstrated in the recent VICTUS NOX mission, showcasing the program's potential to significantly impact future space endeavors. This solicitation marks the second instance of expanding the OSP-4 contract, following its inception in 2019 and a previous addition of providers in 2021. The initiative currently collaborates with 10 launch providers, including notable names such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and United Launch Alliance, focusing primarily on enhancing small launch capabilities.

The SSC, acting as the procurement and development arm of the U.S. Space Force, oversees a substantial $15.6 billion budget dedicated to securing space assets. By fostering partnerships across the defense, industry, and academic sectors, the SSC aims to swiftly navigate the space acquisition landscape, ensuring the United States maintains its strategic advantage in space against burgeoning global threats.