National Security Space Launch Program (SPACE) - EMD

The National Security Space Launch Program falls under Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD). The program's primary goal is to provide a space launch service that meets the government's National Launch Forecast (NLF) requirements for placing National Security Space (NSS) space vehicles into orbit. This includes funding research and development activities, investments in new and upgraded launch systems, and associated launch facilities to meet NSS launch needs leveraging domestic commercial launch providers. The program also aims to develop technologies for space access, mobility, and logistics through public-private partnerships, sustain the U.S. industrial base, and lower procurement costs by promoting competition.

Additionally, the program seeks to invest in providers of domestic launch services to transition from non-Allied space launch engines to commercial launch services that meet NSS needs. It also aims to invest in domestic rocket propulsion systems under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements and execute a single RPS OTA agreement utilizing a public-private partnership. The program's objectives include ensuring two domestic launch service providers are certified to meet all NSS requirements and ending the use of non-Allied propulsion systems while fostering a robust launch industrial base and maintaining American leadership in launch capabilities.