Rocket Systems Launch Program (SPACE)

The Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) aims to provide responsive space and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) launch vehicle support to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. This program utilizes commercial launch systems and excess ballistic missile assets to offer mission planning, payload integration, vehicle acquisition, processing, launch operations, booster storage and disposition, aging surveillance, maintenance, and logistics support for selected DoD responsive space and RDT&E launches. It also funds general research, development, prototyping, integration, and supplemental reliability of flight testing efforts for launch to enhance the reliability of the Minotaur and other fleet vehicles. The specific objectives include maintaining exclusive control of decommissioned Minuteman and Peacekeeper assets used in testing, as well as implementing system resiliency and situational awareness necessary to operate in the contested space domain.

The Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) is aligned with the Space Systems Command's transformation efforts to increase innovation and resiliency in space acquisition. The program aims to strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose existing capabilities. Additionally, it seeks to expand appropriate acquisition authorities and contract mechanisms to deliver capability sooner. The program's goals include investigating and developing shipping throughput capacity to maximize opportunities for motor disposal while continuing support activities such as sustainment replacement and refurbishment of support equipment. Furthermore, RSLP plans to perform aging surveillance-related activities on stored motors and continue launch vehicle acquisition, processing, launch services support including responsive launch, mission assurance, reliability of flight operations to launch RDT&E payloads. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the reliability of the Minotaur and other fleet vehicles while rapidly responding to implement system resiliency and situational awareness necessary for operating in the contested space domain.