The objective of the EELV program is to design and develop a spacelift system, evolved from current launch vehicle systems or major subsystems thereof, in accordance with the EELV System Performance Document (SPD) requirements. This spacelift system will preserve or improve reliability, maintainability, and operability and reduce cost over current systems.

1.1 Low Cost Concept Validation Module Objectives

a) Conduct system level design trade and sensitivity analyses which define and confirm that the design approach primarily reduces cost, while balancing schedule, performance and risk for the life cycle of the system.

b) Conduct a trade study which compares life cycle costs of three operation and support alternatives. The alternatives are: 1) a Contractor operated and supported system, 2) a system which is operated and supported with organic Air Force resources using standard logistics infrastructure, processes, and procedures, and 3) a life cycle cost optimized system which includes elements from 1) and 2).

c) Define to a preliminary design review level the EELV system design baseline that as a minimum meets SPD requirements. Quantify the system life cycle cost, reliability, capability, operability, producibility, safety, security, environmental impact, and use and handling of hazardous materials.

d) Develop a manufacturing plan that integrates manufacturing into the design process and attempts to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for material review board activity during the production phase of the program.

e) Identify EELV cost, schedule, performance, support, and environmental impact risks. Develop risk mitigation plans. Perform demonstrations as appropriate for the concept.

f) Develop transition alternatives from the current expendable launch systems to the EELV system.

g) Develop standard payload interfaces which accommodate the Government portion of the National Mission Model. Support quarterly meetings of the Payload Integration Working Group.

h) Participate with the Government in determining a Government/Contractor electronic interchange system to be used during Pre-EMD.

i) Conduct a trade study which compares life cycle costs of delivering Mission C to GEO as required in the SPD and delivering Mission C to GTO.
1.2 Pre-EMD Objectives

a) Develop the EELV system design to a critical design review level, consistent with objectives 1.1a, and 1.1c - 1.1g.

b) Verify producibility and production process capabilities.

c) Demonstrate program progress toward achieving affordability improvements.

d) Develop draft pricing policies and incentives/disincentives for the production contract based on cost and performance drivers and system programmatics.

1.3 EMD Objectives

a) Complete two Medium Lift Variant (MLV) and one Heavy Lift Variant (HLV) low risk payload flights.

b) Complete site activation to meet IOC.

c) Demonstrate producibility and production processes. Complete production planning.