The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX nine task orders worth $739 million combined to provide Lane 1 launch services under the National Security Space Launch, or NSSL, program’s third phase.
The service branch said Friday the task orders awarded by Space Systems Command will provide launches for the Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office to help improve missile warning and missile tracking capability.
“The task orders awarded in support of our mission partners, SDA and NRO, demonstrate the importance we have placed on being time efficient and cost conscious in our Phase 3 Lane 1 approach to reliably deliver space capability to the warfighter quicker and at the best value to the American taxpayer,” said Col. Matt Flahive, system program director for launch acquisition.
What Is the Scope of the SDA-2 & SDA-3 Task Orders?
Under the SDA-2 task order, SpaceX will perform two launches for 18 of SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellites built by L3Harris Technologies and one for eight Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter, or F2, space vehicles developed by Boeing subsidiary Millennium Space Systems. F2 is a demonstration satellite constellation designed to provide missile defense capabilities against challenging threats in low Earth orbit.
Launches for SDA-2 missions are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Under the SDA-3 task order, SpaceX will conduct two launches for 18 of the agency’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellites built by Lockheed Martin. These missions are expected to launch by the third quarter of FY 2027.
NTO-5 Task Order
For the NTO-5 task order, SpaceX will perform launches between the first quarter of FY 2027 and the second quarter of FY 2028 in support of an NRO mission set.
What Is NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1?
According to SSC, NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 is designed to encourage new launch providers to participate through annual on-ramps. Lane 1 provides awardees with an opportunity to compete for about 20 missions over the next four years through annual task order competitions.
SSC has adopted a dual-lane approach to acquisition under NSSL Phase 3 to ensure assured access to space and meet warfighter needs. For Lane 1, the command said it is interested in more risk-tolerant space vehicles launching to commercial orbits.
In June 2024, SSC awarded SpaceX, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance spots on the 10-year, $5.6 billion NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.
In October 2024, SpaceX received $734 million in two task orders from SSC. The awards marked the first two Lane 1 launch service task orders issued by the command under the NSSL Phase 3 IDIQ contract.
In March 2025, the service added Rocket Lab USA and Stoke Space to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract as part of the first on-ramp process for the procurement vehicle.
