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NASA Solicits Bids for Launch Services
By Glen Golightly
Houston Bureau Chief
posted: 10:45 am ET
20 October 1999
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nasa_launchbids_991020NASA is soliciting launch service contract bids from companies, including emerging firms with as yet unproven vehicles. The contracts could be worth up to $5 billion if all are awarded. Each contract calls for three launches with an option for six more. Up to 60 additional launches may be awarded. Proposals are due to Kennedy Space Center by Jan. 7, 2000 with contracts awarded during the second quarter of 2000. The space agency request for proposals includes medium through heavy launch vehicles able to carry payloads of 3,300 pounds and greater. Typical vehicles currently used are the Athena II, Delta and Atlas series. An "on-ramp" clause is included in the contract, allowing emerging launch providers a chance to compete. A bidding company must have demonstrated at least one successful launch of a 3,315-pound payload to a 125-mile circular orbit. The launch vehicle must be at least 51 percent produced in the United States.
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