T+168: SpaceX and ULA Win NSSL Phase 2

The long-awaited news is finally here! ULA and SpaceX have won the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 launch contracts from the US Department of Defense, which leaves Blue Origin’s New Glenn and Northrop Grumman’s OmegA out in the cold. I talk through what this means for each company and launch vehicle, and where things will go from here on all sides of the issue.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 398 other supporters.

Topics

• U.S. Department Of Defense > Contracts For Aug. 7, 2020
• Pentagon picks SpaceX and ULA to remain its primary launch providers - SpaceNews
• Air Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests - SpaceNews
• ULA, SpaceX Win NSSL Phase 2 Awards – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• House and Senate Make Progress on the FY2021 NDAA – SpacePolicyOnline.com
• National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement (LSP) Request for Proposal (RFP) FA8811-19-R-0002 - GovTribe
• Air Force funding three new rockets to compete with SpaceX but only intends to buy launch services from two providers - SpaceNews
• Air Force requests bids for space launch services, will select two companies in 2020 - SpaceNews
• Episode T+79: Orbital ATK’s OmegA, NASA’s Bridenstine - Main Engine Cut Off

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