The U.S. Space Force has awarded the first seven launch contracts under its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program. SpaceX will conduct five missions and United Launch Alliance (ULA) will handle two, with the total value of the contracts exceeding $1.1 billion.
These assignments are part of the "Lane 2" procurement strategy, which is reserved for the military's most critical and high-value satellite payloads. The missions are scheduled to begin no earlier than fiscal year 2027.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX was awarded five missions valued at $714 million.
- United Launch Alliance (ULA) was awarded two missions valued at $428 million.
- These are the first launch assignments under the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contract vehicle.
- The missions involve launching critical GPS, communications, and classified reconnaissance satellites.
- Blue Origin, the third company in the Lane 2 pool, did not receive a mission in this initial round.
Details of the Contract Awards
The U.S. Space Force officially announced the first task orders for its next phase of national security launches. The contracts were assigned through firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery agreements, providing cost certainty for the government.
According to the announcement from Space Systems Command, the total combined value of this initial set of awards is $1.142 billion. The selection of SpaceX and ULA underscores their established roles as trusted providers for the nation's most sensitive space missions.
Understanding NSSL Phase 3
The National Security Space Launch program is designed to ensure the U.S. has reliable access to space for its defense and intelligence satellites. Phase 3 is divided into two categories, or "lanes." Lane 1 is for less demanding missions and is open to a wider pool of emerging launch providers. Lane 2 is reserved for complex, high-priority missions that may require heavy-lift rockets or challenging orbital insertions.
Mission Assignments for SpaceX
SpaceX secured the majority of the initial missions, reflecting its high launch cadence and competitive pricing. The company's $714 million contract covers five distinct launches for the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The SpaceX Manifest Includes:
- USSF-206/WGS-12: This mission will deploy the 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite. The WGS constellation provides high-capacity, secure communications for the U.S. military and its allies worldwide.
- NROL-86: A classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates the nation's spy satellites.
- USSF-155, USSF-149, and USSF-63: The payloads for these three missions remain classified, indicating their highly sensitive nature within the national security apparatus.
These launches will utilize SpaceX's Falcon family of rockets, which are certified for national security missions.
ULA's Role and Assigned Missions
United Launch Alliance, a long-standing partner for national security space missions, was awarded two launches under a $428 million task order. These missions are critical for maintaining and upgrading key U.S. space-based capabilities.
ULA's NSSL Legacy
United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, has a near-perfect success record in launching national security payloads for the U.S. government over the past two decades.
The ULA Manifest Includes:
- USSF-88/GPS IIIF-4: This launch will carry the fourth GPS III Follow-on satellite. These next-generation satellites provide more accurate positioning, navigation, and timing signals and feature enhanced anti-jamming capabilities and stronger encryption.
- NROL-88: A second classified mission in this award group for the National Reconnaissance Office, which will be launched in partnership with the agency.
ULA is expected to use its new Vulcan Centaur rocket for these future missions, which is slated to replace the company's legacy Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy vehicles.
The Competitive Landscape
In April, the Space Force selected three companies to compete for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches through 2030: SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin. The service anticipates ordering approximately 54 launches under this program over the next several years.
The Space Force contracts for these critical launches at least two years in advance to ensure mission assurance and proper integration between the launch vehicle and the satellite payload.
Blue Origin was not assigned any missions in this initial round. The company's New Glenn heavy-lift rocket has not yet completed the two successful launches required for Space Force certification to carry Lane 2 payloads. The first certification launch is anticipated for late October.
The structure of NSSL Phase 3 is designed to foster competition while ensuring that experienced providers are available for the most demanding missions. Future launch assignments will be competed among the three certified companies, with awards based on capability, price, and performance.