New NASA Policy = Higher USAF Launch Costs?

Air Force warns of increased launch costs, AIr Force Times
“Gary Payton, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space programs, told members of Congress on Wednesday that the Obama administration had not asked the Air Force to examine the effects of canceling NASA’s Constellation program before the Feb. 1 announcement. The military and intelligence community rely on the same manufacturers as NASA to build the rockets that launch their satellites, but the White House plans to turn to commercially owned rockets to launch astronauts following retirement of the shuttle later this year. Early information shows the price of rocket propulsion systems for the military and NRO “might double” as a result, Payton said.”
Keith’s note: FYI Gary Payton was Mike Griffin’s Deputy at SDIO back in the 1990s. It is somewhat strange that someone in a very senior position such as Payton is being this public with their overt criticism of the President’s space policy and how it was formulated. Stay tuned …
Keith’s update: Looks like we’ll be able to ask Payton all about this on 26 March: STA Lunch with Gary Payton, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space Programs
Sen. Says Solid Rocket Motor Costs Will Double, Navy Disagrees, Defense News
“The Navy, which has studied the matter, says prices will probably rise, but they won’t double. During a Senate Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee hearing, Rear Adm. Stephen Johnson, said he expects solid rocket motor prices to rise 10 to 20 percent. He assured Vitter that 100 percent price growth is not likely. Johnson heads Navy strategic systems programs.”