The Space and Missiles Systems Center and SpaceX amended the cooperative research and development agreement to include “all of the independent review committee’s recommendations,” according to an Air Force release. “I am very pleased with all we have accomplished. The updated CRADA captures important lessons learned along the way about the process and allows the flexibility to certify Space X when ready, while maintaining our ‘laser focus on mission success,’” said SMC Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. The Air Force expects to certify SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch system for national security space launches “no later than June 2015,” states the release. “SpaceX welcomes these actions,” said Gwynne Shotwell, company president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to completing the certification process and competing for EELV missions.”
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.