Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) were all awarded multibillion-dollar National Security Space Launch contracts by Space Systems Command on April 4 to carry out more than 50 spaceflights over the next four years.
“A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security,” said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman in a press release. “National Security Space Launch isn’t just a program; it’s a strategic necessity that delivers the critical space capabilities our warfighters depend on to fight and win.”
The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program is in the second part, or lane, of its third phase. It will make up 54 of the phase’s 84 anticipated missions from fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2029, with launches expected into the 2030s.
Space Systems Command manages the Department of Defense’s $15 billion space acquisition budget, and works in partnership with private industry to meet national security objectives.
SpaceX is expected to receive $5.9 billion for 28 of the lane’s 54 total launches, and United Launch Alliance is expected to get $5.4 billion for 19 of those launches. Blue Origin was awarded $2.4 billion for seven missions beginning one year later.
These missions will use SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn. They will be launched from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, as well as from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
“Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for assured access to space. “The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which increases the military’s readiness.”
The exact launch assignments are expected to be announced this year.
“America leads the world in space launch, and through these NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts, we will ensure continued access to this vital domain,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration. ”These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness.”
SpaceX and United Launch Alliance already have significant experience with carrying military payloads into orbit. United Launch Alliance has launched 100 national security space missions.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn has flown only once, in January, and its second flight is slated for late spring. The company points out that this is the third contract it has been awarded, following Phase Three Lane One missions yet to launch. The company said it is aware of the challenging demands that come with delivering a worthy launch vehicle and is up to the task.
“It’s an honor and huge responsibility to team with the U.S. government to launch our nation’s most important assets,” said Jarrett Jones, senior vice president, New Glenn, in a press release. “Through this partnership, we’re looking forward to delivering on a number of critical national security priorities.”
