SpaceX scores $5.9B in Space Force launch contracts
The US will spend $5.9 billion on Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the name of national security. United Launch Alliance (ULA) follows with $5.4 billion, and Blue Origin is set to receive $2.4 billion.
US Space Systems Command awarded the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts on April 4. SpaceX is expected to be awarded 28 missions, or approximately 60 percent. ULA is expected to get 19 missions, or around 40 percent, and Blue Origin is projected to be awarded two missions.
The awards will happen from FY25 to FY29, with launches expected from FY27 to FY32.
SpaceX noted that its share of the missions would be launched on a combination of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. ULA president and CEO Tony Bruno said: “We are proud that we have launched 100 national security space missions and honored to continue serving the nation with our new Vulcan rocket.”
The Phase 3 mission manifest is almost double that of Phase 2. It has also been split into two lanes: Lane 1, with approximately 30 missions, is closer to commercial launches and therefore not subject to the reliability demands of Lane 2, which will comprise around 54 missions.
The Phase 3 Lane 1 program includes the likes of Rocket Lab and its yet-to-fly reusable Neutron rocket, which will be eligible to compete for orders after its first launch.
The figures are a turnaround from the expectations of the Phase 2 launch service contracts announced in 2020. Then, ULA was expected to receive 60 percent of launch service orders, while SpaceX would receive 40 percent. As it turned out, delays at ULA – the Vulcan eventually made its maiden flight years behind schedule – meant that SpaceX was better able to demonstrate its prowess at deploying sensitive security payloads to orbit.
Blue Origin’s selection as the third-place vendor, despite not being certified for national security missions, will raise an eyebrow. It is, however, an indicator of the confidence officials have in certification by the time Bezos’ rocket company gets assigned a mission.
Mission assignments are expected to be announced annually, with the first one due before the end of this year and then in October of each subsequent year.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, said: “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.
“These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness.” ®
