Session
Technical Session VI: Delivery Systems
Abstract
The signing of the Ultralite Expendable Launch Vehicle Services (UELVS) contract on December 23, 1994, marked the end of a fast-track, six-month procurement process and the beginning of a new "smaller-better-faster" operational paradigm within NASA's Mixed Fleet Program. Managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Orbital Launch Services Project (OLS), UELVS reflects a departure from the established Medium and Small Expendable Launch Vehicle Services (MELVS and SELVS) in both management philosophy and level of NASA technical oversight. The intent of this paper is to discuss the foundation and implementation of this paradigm and future plans for UELVS.
Smaller, Better, Faster - NASA's Ultralite Expendable Launch Vehicle Services (UELVS)
The signing of the Ultralite Expendable Launch Vehicle Services (UELVS) contract on December 23, 1994, marked the end of a fast-track, six-month procurement process and the beginning of a new "smaller-better-faster" operational paradigm within NASA's Mixed Fleet Program. Managed by the Goddard Space Flight Center's (GSFC) Orbital Launch Services Project (OLS), UELVS reflects a departure from the established Medium and Small Expendable Launch Vehicle Services (MELVS and SELVS) in both management philosophy and level of NASA technical oversight. The intent of this paper is to discuss the foundation and implementation of this paradigm and future plans for UELVS.
