US Agencies Decide Guidelines for Future Spacecraft

During a recent meeting, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the US Air Force (USAF) decided on the next generation of guidelines that will have to be respected by companies building a wide variety of spacecraft.

The new criteria will be used for the certification of commercial companies seeking to provide one of the three organizations with launch vehicles for national security, space and civil space applications. This includes reconnaissance satellites and automatic orbital resupply vehicles as well.

The main focus of the new document is to provide an integrated approach to Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) classification. The US government recognized the need for such an integrated approach some time ago, and this document is the final step in establishing the necessary guidelines.

Payload cost and risk tolerance are the main factors that will guide the selection of future EELV, the agreement stipulates. Emphasis will also be placed on encouraging upcoming companies to develop further, by distributing satellite launches evenly among contenders.