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Is Elon Musk helping Space Force?
Elon Musk’s rocket company has secured two big-ticket missions for 2023, as has its competitor United Launch Alliance. The US Space Force awarded a pair of launch contracts to each of the commercial space companies through the National Security Space Launch program. 2 million for two missions, USSF-112 and USSF-87.
What is the relationship between SpaceX and the United States Space Force?
SpaceX and ULA are already established launch providers for the U.S. government under the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program. Both Rocket Lab and Blue Origin will be able to compete for the next series of launch procurement contracts in 2024.
Does the US Space Force have any spaceships?
Along with its sister-branch, the U.S. Air Force, the Space Force is part of the Department of the Air Force, one of the three civilian-led military departments within the Department of Defense. The Space Force is the smallest U.S. armed service, consisting of 4,840 personnel and operating 77 spacecraft.
Does Space Force work with SpaceX?
Notably, Space Force required that SpaceX use the same booster to launch SV05 that launched the SV04 satellite. “We continue to work with [SpaceX] and, looking ahead to the SV06 mission next year … we’ll be working with them as to what boosters are available,” said Dr. Lauderdale.
Who is getting Space Force contracts?
Only two companies — SpaceX and United Launch Alliance — were awarded contracts as part of Phase 2, which covers an expected 34 launches over a five-year period from 2022 to 2027. That competition was designed in response to a congressional mandate to eliminate the use of Russian-built RD-180 rocket engines.
Who has contracts with SpaceX?
awarded
NASA announced on Friday that it had awarded a contract to SpaceX for $2.9 billion to use Starship to take astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the moon. The contract extends NASA’s trend of relying on private companies to ferry people, cargo and robotic explorers to space.
What vehicles does the Space Force have?
Six X-37B missions have launched to date. The U.S. Space Force has a mini-fleet of two robotic X-37B space planes, which have been flying secret missions since 2010. The most recent mission, called OTV-6, launched in May 2020 and is ongoing.
How much money does SpaceX save by reusing Rockets?
The Space and Missiles Systems Center last year modified the contracts for SpaceX’s next two GPS III satellite launches to allow reuse, a move that the military estimated will save about $64 million. Notably, Space Force required that SpaceX use the same booster to launch SV05 that launched the SV04 satellite.
How long is the contract for space force?
Enlistment contracts can be from 2 – 8 years. For officers, we are requiring the same minimum service commitment of 2 years to be equitable between the ranks. Exceptions to policy to retire prior to completing this commitment will follow policies and procedures established by the Space Force.
How do you join Space Force requirements?
Space Force careers for officers require commissioning, attendance at Officer Candidate School, technical training, and on-the-job training. Passing a security clearance screening and the ability to keep/maintain the appropriate clearance are required.
Is Elon Musk going to the Moon?
SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk said his space company can be ready to go to the moon in the next three years. Musk said in a Saturday Twitter post responding to a question about the timeline that SpaceX’s lunar lander would be ready for its moon mission “probably sooner” than 2024.