The contracts represent a significant expansion of the Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. SpaceX received the largest share at $5.9 billion for 28 missions. Meanwhile, ULA secured $5.4 billion for 19 launches and Blue Origin received $2.4 billion for 7 missions through 2032.
"A robust and sustainable space launch architecture is fundamental to both our economic prosperity and our national security. National security space launch is not just a program, it is a strategic necessity that provides the critical space capabilities our warfighters depend on to fight and win," said General Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force Headquarters.
This marks Blue Origin's first entry into the Space Force's Lane 2 category for high-priority national security payloads, although New Glenn has not yet completed military certification since its orbital debut in January 2025.
The dramatic jump in the pace of missions - with 54 Lane 2 launches planned between 2027 and 2032 - nearly doubles the previous five-year launch pace. Space Force officials emphasized the role of contracts in fostering a more competitive domestic launch market while ensuring reliable access to orbit for the most sensitive U.S. military and intelligence satellites.
The decision to split the launch contracts between SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin allows the Space Force to use proven rockets while leveraging New Glenn's heavy lift capacity. This diversification is intended to strengthen the U.S. launch industry. Outsourcing important missions to multiple suppliers stimulates competition and reduces the risk associated with relying on a single company or missile type. This multi-vendor approach is key to maintaining access to space for critical U.S. national security satellites through 2032, acting as a safeguard against potential launch failures or changes in the commercial market.
"America leads the world in space launch, and through these Lane 2 NSSL Phase 3 contracts, we will ensure continued access to this vital area," said Maj. Gen. Steven Purdy, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and technology integration.
"These awards strengthen our ability to launch important defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and increasing operational readiness," he added.
The U.S. Space Force will begin awarding these missions to suppliers in fiscal 2025, although actual launches will not begin until 2027. This extended schedule allows for the roughly two-year integration period that is typically required between mission award and launch. The contract structure comes at a time when global government spending on space defense is set to reach $58.4 billion in 2023 - nearly double that of 2018. Space Force Acquisition Executive Frank Calvelli emphasized that these contracts represent just one part of a broader strategy that includes separate "Lane 1" awards for lower-risk missions in which newer suppliers such as Rocket Lab and Stoke Space can participate. These additional contracts, worth up to $5.6 billion for approximately 30 missions, are intended to create conditions for new launch companies to enter the market while reserving the most sensitive payloads for suppliers with proven heavy lift capabilities. | BGNES
