The United States Space Force has awarded the first set of contracts under its new national security launch program, with SpaceX emerging as the primary partner. The Space Systems Command (SSC) announced seven missions were awarded, five of which went to SpaceX for a total of $714 million.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) secured the remaining two missions, valued at $428 million. These initial awards are part of a larger, multi-year strategy to launch critical defense and intelligence satellites, establishing the competitive landscape for national security space access through 2032.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX won five of the first seven National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contracts, valued at $714 million.
- United Launch Alliance (ULA) was awarded two missions, worth a combined $428 million.
- The contracts are for a total of 54 planned launches between 2027 and 2032.
- Blue Origin was not eligible for this round as its New Glenn rocket has not yet received national security certification.
- Missions include launching advanced GPS, global communications, and spy satellites for the U.S. government.
Details of the National Security Launch Awards
The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command recently finalized the first awards under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3, Lane 2 procurement program. This program is designed to ensure reliable and competitive launch services for the nation's most sensitive space assets.
In this initial round, SpaceX was awarded five missions, demonstrating the company's significant position in the national security sector. The total value of these missions is approximately $714 million. This continues a trend of SpaceX securing a substantial share of government launch contracts.
United Launch Alliance, a long-standing partner for national security launches, was awarded two missions. The value of ULA's contracts is approximately $428 million. While fewer in number, the contracts affirm ULA's continued role as a critical provider for high-priority government payloads.
Contract Value Breakdown
- SpaceX: 5 missions, $714 million
- United Launch Alliance: 2 missions, $428 million
- Total Awarded: 7 missions, $1.142 billion
The Strategic Importance of the Missions
The payloads assigned in this first round are vital to U.S. military and intelligence operations. Each mission is designed to enhance or sustain critical capabilities from orbit.
Upgrading Global Communications and Navigation
SpaceX has been tasked with launching the 12th Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite. The WGS constellation provides high-capacity, reliable communications for the U.S. military, the White House, and allied nations. According to government documents, this network is essential for command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
ULA's manifest includes the fourth GPS III Follow-On (GPS III-F) mission. This satellite will join the next generation of Global Positioning System spacecraft, which offer improved accuracy, enhanced anti-jamming features, and a longer operational lifespan. These upgrades directly benefit the Department of Defense's precision navigation and timing capabilities.
High-Energy Orbits for Intelligence Assets
Both SpaceX and ULA will each launch one classified spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The announcement specified that these missions are destined for high-energy orbits, which are often used for surveillance and signals intelligence satellites that need to maintain a fixed position over a specific region of the Earth (geostationary orbit) or cover large areas.
A Competitive Field for Future Launches
The NSSL Phase 3 program is structured to foster competition among launch providers. The current awards reflect a dynamic market where established players and newer entrants compete for lucrative government contracts.
What is NSSL Phase 3?
The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program is the U.S. government's primary method for procuring launch services for its most critical space missions. Phase 3, which covers launches from 2025 to 2034, is divided into two "lanes." Lane 1 is for less demanding missions and is open to a wider pool of emerging providers. Lane 2, which these contracts fall under, is for the most complex and high-stakes missions, requiring proven reliability and heavy-lift capability.
Blue Origin's Path to Certification
Notably absent from the awards was Blue Origin. The company's New Glenn rocket did not qualify for this round because it has not yet completed the rigorous certification process required for national security launches. This certification ensures a launch vehicle meets the stringent performance and reliability standards set by the Space Force.
However, Blue Origin remains a contender for future missions. The company will have another opportunity to compete for NSSL contracts in 2027. In the meantime, the New Glenn rocket is scheduled to launch NASA's ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission to Mars this fall, which will serve as a key demonstration of its capabilities.
Long-Term Program Projections
The Space Systems Command has outlined a long-term vision for the NSSL Phase 3 program, which includes 54 scheduled launches between 2027 and 2032. Projections released in April suggest the potential value of contracts could be substantial for all three providers.
- SpaceX is projected to receive up to $5.9 billion in contracts over the program's life.
- ULA is projected to receive up to $5.4 billion in contracts.
- Blue Origin could receive up to $2.3 billion for as many as seven missions, contingent upon successful certification of its New Glenn rocket.
This structure reflects a strategic shift from the past, when ULA held a near-monopoly on national security launches. The entrance of SpaceX dramatically altered the competitive landscape, driving down costs and increasing launch frequency. The inclusion of Blue Origin as a potential future provider indicates the Space Force's commitment to maintaining a diverse and competitive industrial base for assured access to space.