"NASA Revamps Rideshare Mission Policy"
NASA is updating its rideshare policy for science missions to accommodate new launch opportunities and challenges faced in carrying secondary payloads. The updated policy, expected to be released in 2024, will include the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract vehicle, rideshare launches on NASA Artemis missions, and launches from other government agencies. The current policy has enabled the launch of several science and technology demonstration missions, but the new policy aims to expand rideshare opportunities. NASA is also considering the use of orbital transfer vehicles in the future to increase rideshare options for small satellites.