The U.S. Space Force announced today that it has awarded contracts totaling more than $2027 billion to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin for military launch missions from fiscal years 2032 to 13,5. These awards are part of agreements made under the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.
Launch Contracts and Sharing
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SpaceX: $28 billion to launch 5,9 missions
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ULA: $19 billion to launch 5,3 missions
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Blue Origin: $7 billion to launch 2,3 missions
These contracts will provide the launch of most of the US military space missions and will provide a great financial support to these companies. Also, Blue Origin stands out as a new entrant to the NSSL program. The company New Glenn rocketAlthough it has not yet completed the Space Force's certification process, it was eligible to join the program after its first flight in January.
New Strategy and Competition Environment
The Space Force plans to launch 2027 missions between 2032 and 84. That’s nearly double the number of missions launched in the previous five years. To meet that demand and create an environment where more companies can compete, a new strategy has been adopted.
Within the scope of the new strategy, two different strip (lane) created:
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lane 1: Open to new providers for commercial-like tasks. This lane offers opportunities to startups and small companies.
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lane 2: Reserved for companies that meet more stringent security and performance requirements. This lane is where the existing large companies compete.
Alongside SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin, Stoke Space ve Rocket lab Companies developing new rockets, such as lane 1 were selected for their duties.
Future Plans and Launch Demand
The Space Force expects to issue the first request for proposals for Lane 1 launches later this year, meaning companies will have a chance to compete for additional missions in fiscal 2026.
Brigadier General Kristin Panzenhagen“Today’s award is the culmination of nearly three years of government and industry partnerships to increase launch endurance and capability. This will ensure safe access to space for our national security missions and increase military readiness,” he said in a statement.
Strategic Importance
These new launch contracts are seen as an important step toward achieving U.S. national security goals. The Space Force’s strategic approach will strengthen its goal of providing safe and efficient space access while opening up a broader arena for companies to compete.
