Sec. 915. RESPONSIVE LAUNCH

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## SEC. 915 RESPONSIVE LAUNCH ###

(a)Findings Congress finds the following: ####

(1)United States Strategic Command has identified three needs as a result of dramatically increased demand and dependence on space capabilities as follows: #####

(A)To rapidly augment existing space capabilities when needed to expand operational capability. #####

(B)To rapidly reconstitute or replenish critical space capabilities to preserve continuity of operations capability. #####

(C)To rapidly exploit and infuse space technological or operational innovations to increase the advantage of the United States. ####

(2)Operationally responsive low cost launch could assist in addressing such needs of the combatant commands. ###

(b)Study The Department of Defense Executive Agent for Space shall conduct a study on responsive, low-cost launch efforts. Such study shall include— ####

(1)a review of existing and past operationally responsive, low-cost launch efforts by domestic or foreign governments or industry; ####

(2)an identification of the conditions or requirements for responsive launch that would provide the necessary military value, including the requisite payload capacity, timelines for responsiveness, and the target launch costs; ####

(3)a technology assessment of various methods to develop an operationally responsive, low-cost launch capability; and ####

(4)an assessment of the viability of greater utilization of innovative methods, including the use of secondary payload adapters on existing launch vehicles. ###

(c)Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Department of Defense Executive Agent for Space shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing— ####

(1)the results of the study conducted under subsection (b); and ####

(2)a consolidated plan for development within the Department of Defense of an operationally responsive, low-cost launch capability. ###

(d)Government Accountability Office Review Not later than 60 days after the date on which the report required under subsection

(c)is submitted to the congressional defense committees, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such report and any related findings or recommendations that the Comptroller General considers appropriate.