The Space Force rolled out the draft RFP for Phase 3 of the National Security Space Launch program, and it looks pretty good! Elsewhere, NASA selected New Glenn to launch ESCAPADE in 2024, so I check in on the state of things over at Blue Origin—as always, it’s about the engines.

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Topics

Space Force to change how it buys national security launches - SpaceNews
Space Force looks to energize industry with next round of launch contracts - SpaceNews
Space Force Reimagining Launch Service Procurement – SpacePolicyOnline.com
National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 DRAFT Request for Proposals (RFPs) #1 and Industry Day - SAM.gov
T+236: SpaceX Starshield, NSSL Phase 3 - Main Engine Cut Off
Eric Berger on Twitter: “Col. Douglas Pentecost of the US Air Force says the military recently signed a "three-flight" option with Blue Origin for certification of the New Glenn rocket. This means three flights, but less data than ULA had to provide for a two-flight certification.”
Gallery | Blue Origin
NASA Selects Blue Origin to Launch Mars’ Magnetosphere Study Mission | NASA
Blue Origin wins first NASA business for New Glenn - SpaceNews
After Vulcan comes online, ULA plans to dramatically increase launch cadence | Ars Technica

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Music by Max Justus
Artwork photo by SpaceX

T+240: NSSL Phase 3, and a New Glenn Check In

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