The U.S. Space Force has awarded contracts totaling $13.5 billion to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin for national security space launches through 2029, marking a significant expansion in the commercial space launch sector’s role in national defense.
The contracts, part of the National Security Space Launch program, distribute the missions among the three providers, with SpaceX receiving $5.9 billion for 28 missions, ULA securing $5.3 billion for 19 missions, and Blue Origin obtaining $2.3 billion for seven missions.
“The National Security Space Launch program is essential to establishing and maintaining space as a warfighting domain,” said Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, in a statement regarding the contracts.
The program, managed by the Space Force’s Space Systems Command in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office, supports critical military and intelligence satellite launches. The latest phase introduces a two-lane approach, with Lane 1 focusing on less demanding missions and Lane 2 handling critical national security payloads.
Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, emphasized the growing commercial participation in national security launches, stating, “Neutron’s selection for the National Security Space Launch program is a testament to the vehicle’s innovative design and compelling capabilities.”
The contracts reflect the Space Force’s strategy to maintain multiple launch providers, ensuring reliable access to space while fostering competition and innovation in the commercial space sector. The inclusion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket alongside SpaceX’s Falcon vehicles and ULA’s Vulcan Centaur represents a significant diversification of launch capabilities.
Looking ahead, these partnerships are expected to enhance the United States’ space launch capabilities while reducing costs through increased competition and technological advancement. The success of these missions will be crucial for maintaining national security interests in space through the end of the decade.