T+140: Launch Protests and Lander Hopefuls

Blue Origin successfully protested the US Air Force’s RFP for the National Security Space Launch program, which will have big implications for the way the current round of contract awards plays out. NASA added five new providers to the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, and I’ve got some thoughts about the inclusion of those options in what is quickly becoming my favorite NASA program.

This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 310 other supporters.

Topics

• Air Force to revise selection criteria for launch procurement in wake of Blue Origin’s successful protest - SpaceNews.com
• Redacted GAO Decision (PDF)
• New Companies Join Growing Ranks of NASA Partners for Artemis Program | NASA
• SpaceX Starship suffers testing setback - SpaceNews.com
• Commercial lunar lander company terminates NASA contract - SpaceNews.com
• New VIPER Lunar Rover to Map Water Ice on the Moon | NASA

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