The U.S. Space Force revealed over $13.5 billion worth of launch contracts on Friday to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin for missions scheduled from fiscal year 2027 through 2032.
The awards are as part of their National Security SpaceLaunch initiative , known as NSSL, from which it secures almost all of its military launch missions. According to the agreement, SpaceX will get $5.9 billion for executing 28 missions, ULA will be paid $5.3 billion for launching 19, and Blue Origin will receive $2.3 billion to carry out seven missions.
Although ULA and SpaceX are current NSSL contractors, Blue Origin is a newcomer to this initiative. The company’s New Glenn rocket hasn’t finished the Space Force’s certification requirements yet, but Following its maiden flight in January , it qualified to participate.
The recognition today caps off almost three years of collaboration between the government and private sector aimed at boosting resilience and capacity for launches," stated Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, who leads the program executive office for assured access to space. "This effort ensures reliable access to space for our nation’s defense operations, enhancing the military’s preparedness.
The Space Force anticipates launching 84 missions from fiscal year 2027 through 2032, which would be almost twice as many as those launched during the preceding half-decade. In order to handle this increased workload and pave the way for additional businesses to enter the competition, the organization has implemented a fresh approach for these upcoming missions.
With this method, the Space Force established two competition tracks for businesses. Track 1 caters to commercially similar missions and targets newer entrants into the market, whereas Track 2, announced on Friday, is designated for companies whose rockets adhere to stricter safety and performance standards.
SpaceX, ULA And Blue Origin was similarly chosen to vie for Lane 1 mission contracts as well. in addition to Stoke Space and Rocket Lab , which are both working on new rockets planned for launch this year.
The service plans to issue its initial call for proposals for Lane 1 launches later this spring, with opportunities for businesses to vie for further missions starting in fiscal year 2026.
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