The US Air Force Research Laboratory has increased by 11,7 million dollar contract with Blue Origin, aimed at studying the possibility of using commercial rockets to transport military cargo around the world. Modification of the contract, which was announced 31 July 2026 year, based on a previous contract worth approx 1,3 a million dollars, concluded last year. The work should be completed by October 2027 year.
According to the agreement, Blue Origin will determine the technical and mission requirements to adapt its systems for "direct" cargo delivery. The concept involves launching cargo on a rocket from one location and delivering them to a designated destination, which can potentially reduce transit time, які нині займають години або дні, до менш ніж однієї години. Контракт залишається зосередженим на дослідженнях і системному аналізі, and not at the operational launch or demonstration of a full-fledged cargo delivery system.
Blue Origin is one of several companies, which receive funding within the program of the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL). This program is the laboratory's primary mechanism for evaluating commercial proposals for rocket cargo transportation.
The Air Force has been interested in using commercial launch vehicles to transport cargo for many years. However, significant challenges remain, in particular: safe handling of military cargo, payload protection during launch and reentry, determining suitable boarding or return locations, as well as ensuring economic feasibility compared to existing air and sea delivery methods.
Source: https://spacenews.com