Briefs: SpaceX protests USAF launch contract; CCDev update

SpaceX protests to the GAO about the US Air Force award of a satellite contract for a ride on an Orbital Sciences Minotaur V in 2012, which would be the vehicle's first flight: SpaceX Protests Award of Launch Contract to Orbital - SpaceNews.com.

There was no competition held for the launch contract and the Minotaur V uses Peacekeeper missile components, which are not supposed to be used if there is a commercial alternative except when the Secretary of Defense explicitly approves it.
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A bit more info on the narrowing of the candidates for the $50M CCDev (Commercial Crew Space Transportation Development) funding: NASA Industry Begin Discussions on Commercial Crew Development Dollars - SpaceNews.com

Posted 11/14/09 | 03:45:54 by TopSpacer | Filed under: Space policy

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