On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced plans to create a new rocket capable of transporting cargo to low Earth orbit. The Pentagon stated that it will be built under the Small Missions for Small Spacecraft (SMC) development program and will be named Bishop. Named in honor of General Serreita, who suffered from the coronavirus, the Bishop rocket will be capable of lifting up to 8 metric tons to low Earth orbit.
The Department of Defense noted that the new launch vehicle will be able to deploy payloads in space faster and more flexibly. Additionally, it was clarified that the cost of the Bishop rocket will be one of the key factors in its development. The Pentagon plans for the Bishop launch vehicle to be compatible with other launch systems used by U.S. Space Command.
"We hope that Bishop will help improve access to space while also reducing the costs associated with the deployment of new space systems," stated a Pentagon representative.
