The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) have formally amended the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the two organizations for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Certification of the Falcon 9 Launch System.
These updates incorporated lessons learned from the on-going certification process and will streamline the execution of the certification process. The amended CRADA incorporates all of the Independent Review Committee’s recommendations, including clarification that the SMC Commander, as the Certifying Official, has the authority to grant certification based on a New Entrant’s demonstrated capability to design, produce, qualify, and deliver their launch system.
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