The NASA Launch Services contracts are multiple awards to multiple
launch service providers. Twice per year, there is an opportunity for
existing and emerging domestic launch service providers to submit proposals
if their vehicles meet the minimum contract requirements.
The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
contract where NASA may order launch services through June 30, 2010, for
launches to occur through December 2012. Under the NASA Launch Services
IDIQ contracts, the potential total contract value is between $20,000 and
$1 billion, depending on the number of missions awarded.
The contract seeks a launch capability for payloads weighing 551 pounds
or heavier into a circular orbit of 124 miles at an orbital inclination of
28.5 degrees. Payloads would be launched to support three NASA mission
directorates: Science, Space Operations and Exploration Systems.
Because an IDIQ contract has been awarded to SpaceX, it can compete for
NASA missions using the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles as specified
by the NASA Launch Services contract process.
NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is responsible
for program management. This award to SpaceX adds to the stable of launch
vehicles available to NASA under previously awarded contracts. The original
request for proposal was issued in 1999.
SOURCE NASA
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