Implementation of the first Orbital/Suborbital Program-3 mission

Abstract

The Orbital/Suborbital Program (OSP) is in the third manifestation of its contract form known as OSP-3. The OSP-3 contract is managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program, which is part of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and is operated out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. OSP-3 is an expansion from OSP- 2 in that it not only continues to utilize excess ICBM motors, but also includes potential Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle new entrant launch vehicles. The OSP-3 contract allows for two lanes of vehicles, those that provide 400–4,000 lbs capability to low earth orbit (LEO) and long-range sub-orbital and those that provide 4,000–20,000 lbs capability to LEO. The OSP-3 contract allows for an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity with a $900M ceiling based on a firm fixed price service contract strategy. The first Task Order awarded on the OSP-3 contract was issued 4 December 2012 for the launch of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR is a joint effort between NOAA and NASA to provide real-time monitoring and advanced warning of space weather events along with providing earth-sensing data and imagery for environmental research. The DSCOVR mission will be launched on an earth escape trajectory to Sun-Earth Lagrange point one (L1). NOAA is funding NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center to refurbish the DSCOVR satellite (formally known as Triana) and NOAA will operate the spacecraft once checkouts are complete at the destination. This paper discusses some of the challenges, lessons, and successes encountered during the implementation of the OSP-3 contract for the DSCOVR mission.