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https://www.planetary.org/articles/why-we-have-the-sls https://www.planetary.org/articles/why-we-have-the-sls

• archgoon 3y ago
  Note, NASA has a copy of the original 2010 funding legislation here: https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/649377main_PL_111-267.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/649377main_PL_111-267.pdf Which can also be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3729 https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/372... The key part is: > (2) MODIFICATION OF CURRENT CONTRACTS.—In order to limit NASA’s termination liability costs and support critical capabilities, the Administrator shall, to the extent practicable, extend or modify existing vehicle development and associated contracts necessary to meet the requirements in paragraph (1), including contracts for ground testing of solid rocket motors, if necessary, to ensure their availability for development of the Space Launch System. Which explains why NASA isn't necessarily getting engines from Blue Origin or other cheaper new comers for example. The senate law dictates that they should continue using existing contracts. Now, could a NASA administrator argue that they should drop Aerojet (as cited in the ars technica article)? Potentially, but Aerojet could possibly sue, claiming that NASA is in violation of the law. -- From the Shadows