Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP)
System Delta 80 is developing, operating, prototyping, and executing the Rocket System Launch Program (RSLP) for Guardians across Space Access, Warfighting, and Combat Support. As a result, the Service will advance space-based technology associated with Golden Dome, deliver space domain awareness capabilities, improve readiness and operational reach of existing force structure, continue to advance all near term effects, and ensure resilient infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. RSLP provides responsive space and Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) launch vehicle support to the Department of War (DoW) and other government agencies using commercial launch systems and excess ballistic missile assets. The RSLP mission was established by the Secretary of Defense in 1972. The small launch program complements the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program with multiple options to acquire dedicated spacelift and rideshare services for developmental, demonstration, and small operational space vehicles. It provides mission planning, payload integration, vehicle acquisition, processing, launch operations, booster storage and disposition, aging surveillance, maintenance and logistics support for selected DoW responsive space and RDT&E launches. Costs directly attributable to a specific launch or program (e.g., reliability of flight testing, maintenance of launch vehicle processing infrastructure) are paid by users (Navy, Army, Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), etc.). RSLP maintains exclusive control of decommissioned Minuteman and Peacekeeper assets used in testing to include refurbishment, transportation and handling, storage, aging surveillance, and launch services. RSLP enhances capacity to provide mid-to-low & polar-to-high inclination orbits as a part of support for national security space programs through Spaceports that are commercially licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and received funding from the local or State government. RSLP also funds general research, development, prototyping, integration, and supplemental reliability of flight testing efforts for launch to enhance the reliability of a variety of launch vehicles using RSLP motors for suborbital and orbital missions (e.g., updates to the Modular Mechanical Ordnance Destruct System).
To continue storage, refurbishment, inventory control, and demil/disposal of decommissioned Minuteman, Peacekeeper and other missile flight test assets and perform research and development support operations as required. Investigate and develop shipping throughput capacity to maximize opportunity for motor disposal. Continue support…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work To continue performing aging surveillance-related activities on stored motors; continue performing analysis/studies to identify and evaluate potential safety-related issues affecting stored motors; continue program office support and related support activities such as, but not limited to mission support, special studies, etc.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 increased to capture inflation costs.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue performing aging surveillance-related activities on stored motors; continue performing analysis/studies to identify and evaluate potential safety-related issues affecting stored motors; continue program office support and related support activities such as, but not limited to mission support, special studies, etc.
FY2027 planned work To continue launch vehicle acquisition, processing, launch services support including responsive launch, mission assurance, reliability of flight and operations to launch RDT&E payloads. Rapidly respond to implement system resiliency and situational awareness necessary to operate in the contested space domain. Activities may include, but are not limited to program office support, studies, technical analysis, experimentation, risk reduction, prototyping, and activities that may leverage commercial, U.S. Government partnership, and international opportunities to respond to existing and emerging adversarial threats with speed and agility.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 increased to capture inflation costs.
FY2026 plans — current year Continue launch vehicle acquisition, processing, launch services support including responsive launch, mission assurance, reliability of flight and operations to launch RDT&E payloads. Rapidly respond to implement system resiliency and situational awareness necessary to operate in the contested space domain. Activities may include, but are not limited to program office support, studies, technical analysis, experimentation, risk reduction, prototyping, and activities that may leverage commercial, U.S. Government partnership, and international opportunities to respond to existing and emerging adversarial threats with speed and agility.