NASA has chosen six companies to conduct studies on affordable methods for launching and delivering spacecraft of various sizes to challenging orbits. The firm-fixed-price contracts cover nine studies with a combined maximum value of about $1.4 million.
- Arrow Science and Technology LLC, Webster, Texas
- Blue Origin LLC, Merritt Island, Florida
- Firefly Aerospace Inc., Cedar Park, Texas
- Impulse Space Inc., Redondo Beach, California
- Rocket Lab, Long Beach, California
- United Launch Services LLC, Centennial, Colorado
Joe Dant, Orbital Transfer Vehicle Strategic Initiative owner for NASA’s Launch Services Program, said the agency seeks multi-spacecraft and multi-orbit delivery capabilities beyond current launch services to enhance science missions and reduce costs.
The companies will explore future orbital transfer vehicle applications for NASA missions:
- Arrow will collaborate with Quantum Space, leveraging Quantum’s Ranger spacecraft, designed for rapid, adaptable multi-destination payload delivery from low Earth to lunar orbit.
- Blue Origin will produce two studies: one on its Blue Ring space platform, which offers payload delivery, on-board computing, hosting, and mission operations using hybrid propulsion; and another on New Glenn’s upper stage.
- Firefly will study its Elytra vehicle series, including Elytra Dark, capable of on-demand payload delivery and extended lunar orbit operations for over five years.
- Impulse Space will present two studies focusing on its Mira high-thrust maneuverable spacecraft for payload deployment and Helios, a high-energy kick stage for rapid payload delivery to multiple orbit types.
- Rocket Lab will evaluate two systems: the Neutron rocket’s upper stage and a long-life orbital transfer vehicle based on its Explorer spacecraft, both fitted with propulsion and subsystems for missions to medium Earth orbit, geosynchronous orbit, and deep space.
- United Launch Alliance will assess an extended-duration Centaur V upper stage capable of delivering rideshare spacecraft directly to multiple cislunar orbit destinations without additional stages.
These studies are expected to conclude by mid-September. NASA intends to use the results to guide mission design, planning, and commercial launch strategies, with potential expansion to larger and lower-risk payloads in the future.
The contracts were awarded under NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare Launch Services (VADR) program, which supports growth of the U.S. commercial launch market and enables affordable access to space for scientific and technological missions.
For more information, visit the NASA Launch Services Program website.