A five-year, $6 billion programme to develop technology for a Space Shuttle replacement is the centrepiece of NASA's fiscal year 2001 budget request - the first for seven years to seek an increase in funding for the agency.
Also included in NASA's $14 billion budget request - up 3% from last year - is initial funding for the Small Aircraft Transportation System programme to enable safe, efficient use of the USA's 5,000 small airports; and the Quiet Aircraft Technology programme to develop an air transport system that is free of noise constraints.
The heart of the budget, however, is the second-generation re-usable launch vehicle (RLV) programme, which is intended to reduce the risks associated with developing a "safe, reliable and affordable" Shuttle replacement.
Of the $6 billion NASA proposes spending over the next five years, $2.35 billion is earmarked for the demonstration of at least two competing options of the second-generation RLV. Planning calls for responses by October, and multiple contract awards next January.
NASA plans a competitive launch services procurement in 2005. The winner will be developed commercially and enter service alongside the Shuttle in 2010. NASA will spend $2.1 billion by 2005 on upgrades to keep the Shuttle in service until at least 2015.
Source: Flight International