18-24 U.S. Rocket Launch Contracts on the Way
Delta IV-Heavy
Rocket Launch, 2004
Rocket Launch, 2004
On March 22, 2005, the U.S. Air Force announced that it would soon award contracts for 18 to 24 rocket launches. A pre-solicitation notice explains that the government should award the contracts on or before Oct. 1, 2005. These rockets carry payloads for the Department of Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office.
Acting Air Force Secretary Peter Teets said the Air Force plans to buy launches from both Boeing and Lockheed Martin Inc.
Analysts believe the contracts will be evenly divided because of historical events between Lockheed, Boeing and the Air Force that led to Boeing’s recently-lifted suspension. This division system is also followed in order to maintain “dual-system launch preparedness,” so the Air Force has a backup system if one company’s products run into trouble.
In addition to the 20-month ban, Boeing was stripped of $1 billion in rocket business. Boeing’s Decatur, AL facility manufactures the Delta II, Delta IV and Delta IV-Heavy rockets, and saved most of its jobs when the Air Force suspension was lifted.
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