NASA ability to launch cargo and humans into space has become much easier private companies got involved, and now another American company has been approved by the agency to handle its space deliveries.
This week, Jeff Bezos' company Blue Origin was awarded a NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract. It means Blue Origin's New Glenn reusable launch service can and will be used for a range of missions, including launches for planetary, Earth observation, exploration, and scientific satellites.
“We are proud to be in NASA’s launch services catalog and look forward to providing reliable launches for future NASA missions aboard New Glenn for years to come. The award builds on Blue Origin’s existing partnership with NASA and will advance science and exploration to benefit Earth,” said Jarrett Jones, senior vice president, New Glenn, Blue Origin.
NLS II is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract which allows NASA to place orders through June 2025 and allows for launches through the end of 2027. In order to be awarded the contract, a company must show NASA they have the ability to launch a payload of at least 250kg into a 200km (124 mile) circular orbit at an inclination of 28.5 degree. Once awarded, it also means the contractor is able to introduce new launch vehicles, allowing the experience of carrying out successful launches to feed back into future designs.