COVID-19 has had a grave effect on the nation’s economy, and one area, in particular, is the defense industry. The following information comes from Space News.

Due to the pandemic, the $116 million set aside for small launch contracts under the Defense Production Act have been redirected to other priorities. Assistant Secretary of the United States Air Force for Acquisition Will Roper stated that the funds have instead been applied to small business loan programs. The Department of Defense withdrew contracts from Aevum, Astra, X-Bow, Rocket Lab, Space Vector, and VOX Space. The following has been advised:

“We were ready to award,” Roper said. But because the small launch contracts were among the last to be approved “they were the first to be put back in the batter’s box.”

If new Title 3 funding is made available, said Roper, he hopes the small launch contracts “are the first to get back into the hopper.”

It is unknown if or when there will be funds available for small launch contracts.

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Until Next Time…