SpaceX’s CRS 4 Launch for NASA. Photo: SpaceX

[Via Satellite 01-26-2015] SpaceX has closed its lawsuit with the United States Air Force over its $11 billion block buy of launches from Boeing–Lockheed Martin joint venture United Launch Alliance (ULA). Through an agreement between the two, the Air Force increased the number of competitive launch services opportunities through the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program in a way that honors its existing contractual obligations.

In a statement released by SpaceX on Jan. 23, the Air Force said it would work with the company to complete the certification process in an efficient and expedient manner.  When SpaceX began the lawsuit in April 2014, the company believed certification was a few months away. Later completion was expected by the end of the year — a date that was also missed. The Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF)’s review of the new entrant certification process will be informed by the collaborative effort between the government and SpaceX.

“Going forward, the Air Force will conduct competitions consistent with the emergence of multiple certified providers. Per the settlement, SpaceX will dismiss its claims relating to the EELV block buy contract pending in the United States Court of Federal Claims,” SpaceX and the U.S. Air Force said in the statement.