NASA has selected three new companies to provide launch services for its future missions. These companies, Arrow Science and Technology LLC, Impulse Space Inc., and Momentus Space LLC, will be part of the agency’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract. This contract, with a maximum value of $300 million, will allow NASA to access a wider range of launch services for its missions through February 3, 2027.
The VADR contract allows NASA to add new capabilities that weren’t available at the initial contract’s inception. This means the agency can now leverage more diverse and specialized launch providers to meet the needs of its growing portfolio of missions. NASA will issue task orders for launch services as needed for its own missions and missions supported by the agency.
This contract builds upon NASA’s previous successful efforts with the Venture Class Launch Services (VCLS) program, which has proven the value of using commercially-licensed launch services for smaller payloads and higher-risk missions. By utilizing commercial best practices and a lower level of mission assurance, the VADR program contributes to lower launch costs and makes space more accessible. This is crucial for NASA’s ongoing scientific research and technological development initiatives.
The Launch Services Program at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center manages the VADR contracts. This program works closely with private industry, spacecraft projects, and international partners to ensure the successful launch of diverse payloads, from small satellites for universities to NASA’s top priority missions.
With these new additions to its launch service providers, NASA continues to embrace innovative and cost-effective solutions for space exploration, furthering its mission to advance scientific knowledge and push the boundaries of human achievement.
