SpaceX, ULA, Blue Origin Awarded NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Contracts

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program to SpaceX, United Launch Services (ULA), and Blue Origin. The awards, announced on April 4, are part of a strategic effort to bolster space launch capacity and resilience to meet national defense objectives.

The firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contracts are valued at approximately $5.92 billion for SpaceX, $5.37 billion for ULA, and $2.39 billion for Blue Origin. These contracts mark a key milestone in advancing the U.S. government’s commitment to assured access to space.

“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. “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 NSSL Phase 3 acquisition strategy uses a dual-lane approach to meet program requirements. Lane 1, with approximately 30 missions, is structured for commercial-like launches. Lane 2, with about 54 missions, is designed to secure space access for the most mission-critical and risk-sensitive payloads. In total, 84 missions are anticipated between FY25 and FY29—nearly double the number awarded in Phase 2. The expanded manifest enabled a more cost- and time-efficient solution for national security launches.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, emphasized the importance of continued U.S. space dominance. “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,” he said. “These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness.”

“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.”

SpaceX, as the Requirement 1 provider, is anticipated to be awarded 28 missions, or about 60%. ULA, as the Requirement 2 provider, is expected to receive 19 missions, or approximately 40% of the Phase 3 Lane 2 awards. Blue Origin, as the Requirement 3 provider, is projected to receive seven missions, starting in Order Year 2.

Mission awards for FY25 through FY29 are expected to involve a nominal two-year integration period, resulting in launches from FY27 to FY32. SSC, in partnership with the NRO, will conduct the Phase 3 Lane 2 Mission Assignment Board to assign the FY25 Order Year 1 missions, and will make those announcements separately following completion of that process, and then in October of each subsequent order year.

SSC is the U.S. Space Force command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient warfighting capabilities that uphold the United States’ strategic advantage in and from space. With an annual acquisition budget from the U.S. Department of Defense of $15 billion, SSC leads innovation efforts in partnership with joint forces, allied governments, academia, and commercial industry to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats.

About the U.S. Space Force

The United States Space Force is the space service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established in December 2019 as part of the Department of the Air Force. Its mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. The Space Force plays a central role in ensuring freedom of operation in the space domain and in deterring aggression from adversaries.

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Source: U.S. Space Force / Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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