POLICY TO ENSURE LAUNCH OF SMALL-CLASS PAYLOADS.

SEC. 1608. POLICY TO ENSURE LAUNCH OF SMALL-CLASS PAYLOADS.(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a small launch and satellite policy to ensure responsive and reliable access to space through the processing and launch of Department of Defense small-class payloads.(b) Policy.—The policy under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, providing resources and policy guidance to sustain—(1) the availability of small-class payload launch service providers using launch vehicles capable of delivering into space small payloads designated by the Secretary of Defense as a national security payload;(2) a robust small-class payload space launch infrastructure and industrial base, including small launch systems and small satellite rideshare opportunities;(3) the availability of rapid, responsive, and reliable space launches for national security space programs to—(A) improve the responsiveness and flexibility of a national security space system;(B) lower the costs of launching a national security space system; and(C) maintain risks to mission success at acceptable levels;(4) a minimum number of dedicated launches each year; and134 STAT. 4048(5) full and open competition, including small launch providers and rideshare opportunities.