Sec. 1605. Policy to ensure launch of small-class payloads
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/bill/116/hr/6395/eh/section-1605·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a small launch and satellite policy to ensure responsive and reliable access to space through the processing and launch of Department of Defense small-class payloads. The policy under subsection
(a)shall include, at a minimum, providing resources and policy guidance to sustain— the availability of small-class payload launch service providers using launch vehicles capable of delivering into space small payloads designated by the Secretary of Defense as a national security payload; a robust small-class payload space launch infrastructure and industrial base; the availability of rapid, responsive, and reliable space launches for national security space programs to— improve the responsiveness and flexibility of a national security space system; lower the costs of launching a national security space system; and maintain risks of mission success at acceptable levels; a minimum number of dedicated launches each year; and full and open competition including small launch providers and rideshare opportunities. The Secretary shall develop and carry out a 5-year phased acquisition strategy, including near and long term, for the small launch and satellite policy under subsection (a). The acquisition strategy under subsection
(c)shall— provide the necessary— stability in budgeting and acquisition of capabilities; flexibility to the Federal Government; and procedures for fair competition; and specifically take into account, as appropriate per competition, the effect of— contracts or agreements for launch services or launch capability entered into by the Department of Defense with small-class payload space launch providers; the requirements of the Department of Defense, including with respect to launch capabilities and pricing data, that are met by such providers; the cost of integrating a satellite onto a launch vehicle; launch performance history (at least three successful launches of the same launch vehicle design) and maturity; ability of a launch provider to provide the option of dedicated and rideshare launch capabilities; and any other matters the Secretary considers appropriate. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing a plan for the policy under subsection (a), including with respect to the cost of launches and an assessment of mission risk.