John Bennett and Marcus Weisgerber write the Senate panel wants the branch to submit a plan for liquid rocket engine production under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle initiative by Sept. 30.
The EELV reprogramming proposal won the backing of the Senate’s and House’s Appropriations defense subcommittees and is awaiting approval from both chambers’ Armed Services committees, according to Defense News.
Bennett and Weisgerber report that lawmakers have voiced concerns over the program’s acquisition guidelines and cost overruns in recent years.
Earlier this year, agency officials told lawmakers they expect to save $4 billion through the latest EELV contract, according to the report.
The Air Force decided earlier this year to launch an open competition for the space launch program, for which Boeing–Lockheed Martin venture United Space Alliance has been the sole service provider over the past 10 years.