The RAND Corporation is an American nonprofit global policy think tank that conducts research and development across various fields. Within the space industry, RAND provides objective analysis and research to inform policy decisions related to space exploration, national security, and the space economy. They offer expertise in risk assessment, technological advancements, and global governance, advising organizations like NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the UK Space Agency. RAND also explores space sustainability, security, and governance concepts.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Except for SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Northrop Grumman are offering newly designed rockets that RAND projects will be ready by 2021.
RAND recommends the Air Force provide tailored support through 2023 to enable three U.S. launch service providers to continue in or enter the heavy lift launch market.
The RAND study was delivered to the Air Force in September 2019, about three months before the Space Force was officially established in the National Defense Authorization Act.
The RAND study recommends that some Air Force career fields develop a 'space track' to provide the additional training and development necessary for Air Force officers who will serve in the Space Force.
The RAND study is expected to conclude in September.
The study was commissioned to the RAND Corp. in October.
The RAND study finds that the addressable share of launches over which launch providers compete averaged 20 launches per year between 1998 and 2018.
RAND recommends that Congress consider making the 2022 ban on Russian-designed and Russian-manufactured engines contingent on the successful launch of alternative certified launch vehicles.
RAND recommends that the Air Force support three providers until 2023 as prudent preparation for a future with only two U.S. NSS-certified heavy lift launch providers.
RAND recommends that Congress consider delaying the 2022 ban on Russian-designed and Russian-manufactured engines if no Phase 2 selected provider has successfully launched by 2021.
RAND identifies selecting a third provider under the Phase 2 contract as an alternative way the Air Force can mitigate the risk of new vehicles not being ready by 2022.
The RAND study does not recommend changing the Air Force decision to award national security launch contracts to two providers later 2020.
The RAND study recommends having a viable third provider at least until 2023 to provide breathing room for the Air Force.
Except for SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, and Northrop Grumman are offering newly designed rockets that RAND projects will be ready by 2021.
Herman Leon Pickens worked for Sperry Rand Corp.’s Space Support Division in Huntsville, Alabama, from 1965 to 1972 designing and analyzing circuits for NASA’s Saturn V rocket ground support equipment.
A 2018 RAND Corporation study identified 475 bid protest cases that went to the Court of Federal Claims over an eight-year period versus nearly 11,500 protests handled by the Government Accountability Office.