IRIA News

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The U.S. Space Force has awarded over $13.67 billion in launch contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin. These contracts, part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 procurement strategy, cover 54 missions slated to take place between fiscal years 2027 and 2032.

“These Firm Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Delivery Requirements contracts were awarded to SpaceX, United Launch Services, and Blue Origin to provide critical space support to meet national security objectives,“ the U.S. Space Force statement read.

SpaceX will receive $5.92 billion to conduct 28 missions, making it the largest beneficiary of the deal. ULA follows with a $5.36 billion contract for 19 missions. Blue Origin, a new entrant to the program, has been awarded $2.38 billion to conduct seven missions.

While SpaceX and ULA are established players within the NSSL framework, Blue Origin is participating in the program for the first time. Its inclusion was made possible after the successful inaugural flight of its New Glenn rocket in January, making it eligible to compete despite still undergoing the entire certification process.

Enhancing space resilience and capacity

Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Assured Access to Space, Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen said, “Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity,” adding that, “The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which increases the military’s readiness.“

The Space Force anticipates launching 84 missions between 2027 and 2032, nearly double the total launched in the previous five years. The sharp increase is a direct response to growing security demands and the increasingly strategic nature of space in modern warfare and defense operations.

Acquisition strategy for Phase 2

To manage this surge and ensure healthy competition among providers, the Space Force adopted a new acquisition strategy, dividing launch missions into two categories: Lane 1 and Lane 2.

Lane 1 is designed for commercial-like missions and encourages participation from emerging companies. In addition to SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin, companies such as Rocket Lab and Stoke Space have been selected to compete for these launches. This lane lowers entry barriers for innovative startups that are developing next-generation launch systems, several of which are expected to make their debut flights later this year.

Lane 2, on the other hand, involves missions with higher security and performance requirements. These launches are vital to national defense and require proven capabilities, which is why only SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin were selected for these more sensitive assignments.

Blue Origin’s milestone

The inclusion of Blue Origin in the NSSL program is a significant milestone for the company. Although its New Glenn rocket has not yet completed the certification process, its successful flight earlier this year paved the way for its participation. The award demonstrates the Space Force’s willingness to open doors to new entrants that meet its performance and risk thresholds, signaling a broader shift toward diversifying launch providers and promoting technological innovation.

The Space Force is expected to release its first request for proposals for Lane 1 launches later this spring. This will offer companies the chance to compete for additional missions in fiscal year 2026.

By maintaining two separate but complementary tracks for launch acquisition, the service aims to enhance its flexibility and resilience in the face of rapidly evolving security and space domain challenges.

The Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, Gen. Chance Saltzman, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative. “A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security.”

These developments reflect a deliberate and well-coordinated shift toward ensuring that America’s national security missions in space are not only protected but positioned for long-term sustainability

The integration of new players like Blue Origin, alongside trusted incumbents like SpaceX and ULA, highlights the dynamic nature of the U.S. space industry and its critical role in defense strategy.

As the Space Force enters this next phase, the focus remains on maintaining assured access to space, fostering innovation, and building a competitive ecosystem capable of meeting the nation’s security and strategic demands. The $13.5 billion investment marks a transformative step forward in that mission, one that underscores the centrality of space in modern defense planning.