INDUSTRY NEWS NASA Awards Launch Services Contract to Blue Origin for New Glenn Launch Services — NASA has awarded a NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract to Blue Origin and their New Glenn launch service in accordance with the contract’s on-ramp provision. The New Glenn launch service will be available to NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) to use for future missions in accordance with the on-ramp provision of NLS II.  The NLS II on-ramp provision provides an opportunity annually for new launch service providers to be added as a potential supplier and to compete for future NASA missions. The on-ramp provision also allows existing NLS II launch service providers to introduce launch vehicles not currently on its NLS II contract.  NLS II contractors must have the ability to successfully launch and deliver a payload to orbit using a domestic launch service capable of placing, at minimum, a 250 kg (551 lb.) payload into a 200 km (124 mile) circular orbit at an inclination of 28.5 degrees.  The NLS II contracts support the goals and objectives of the agency’s Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate. Under the contract, NASA can also provide launch services to other government agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Korea’s New Frigates for Navy to Have Rolls-Royce Engine  — The Rolls-Royce MT30 marine gas turbine has been selected for South Korea’s new 3,500-ton frigates to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries by 2024.  The MT30, tapped for the Ulsan-class FFX Batch III frigates, has already been in service with several navies around the world, including the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship and Zumwalt-class destroyers, South Korea’s Daegu-class FFX Batch II frigates, the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, and the Italian Navy’s new Landing Helicopter Dock.  More recently MT30 was selected to power the Japanese Maritime Defense Force’s advanced 30-FFM frigate, and in single gas turbine CODLOG (combined diesel electric or gas) configuration for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship programs for the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy.  South Korea is pushing to build a 6,000 ton-class Aegis destroyer under the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) project, with Hyundai as a preferred bidder for the 21 billion won ($17.6 million) program. Back to 2021-01-20 issue of C.E. Weekly Back to Members Base Camp Back to CJHunter Home Page