Defense Primer: National Security Space Launch

The U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Launch Enterprise consists of two programs: National Security Space Launch (NSSL), which acquires launch services for heavy and medium lift class national security satellites and other assets, and the Rocket System Launch Program, which “provides procurement of small launch and rideshare services, suborbital targets and experimental flights, and restoration of excess ballistic missile assets for reuse.”

This report addresses only the first of these two programs. Congress has consistently demonstrated interest in conducting oversight of both the scope and execution of the NSSL program and is additionally involved in program authorization and appropriation.