- Seven companies have received NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract modifications
- The modifications raise the contract’s ceiling from $5.6 billion to $17 billion
- The 2026 Air and Space Summit will explore AI, commercial space relay, Golden Dome and more
The U.S. Space Force has awarded seven companies contract modifications to provide launch services under the third phase of the National Security Space Launch program’s Lane 1.
The Department of War said Friday the contract modifications bring the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract’s ceiling from $5.6 billion to $17 billion, an increase of $11.4 billion.
As DOW continues advancing investment in commercial launch capacity, government and industry leaders will gather at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to discuss artificial intelligence, commercial space relay, interoperable optical networks, Golden Dome and other priorities shaping the future of air and space acquisition. Register now to join the conversation.
Who Are the Awardees?
- Blue Origin
- Impulse Space
- Relativity Federal
- Rocket Lab USA
- SpaceX
- Stoke Space Technologies
- United Launch Alliance
Space Systems Command’s Space Access at Los Angeles Air Force Base in California said it will determine the location and period of performance at the task order level and will obligate no funds at the time of the awards.
What Is NSSL Phase 3?
The NSSL Phase 3 program uses a dual-lane acquisition model that splits launch work into two tracks built for different mission needs. Lane 2 covers the most complex, least risk-tolerant missions, while Lane 1 is built for Space Systems Command’s more risk-tolerant missions and moves closer to a commercial launch model. Lane 1 is designed around expedited contract awards, streamlined integration and reduced timelines from award to launch, with interface requirements and mission assurance postures that can be tailored by customer, resulting in lower launch costs and reduced time to launch.
In 2024, the Space Force selected Blue Origin, SpaceX and ULA for the Lane 1 contract and later added Rocket Lab and Stoke Space through an on-ramp process to widen competition and capacity. In July, Impulse Space and Relativity Federal secured positions on the contract.
In April 2025, SSC awarded contracts worth approximately $13.68 billion combined to SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin for Lane 2 services through 2029.
What’s the Latest on the National Security Space Launch Program?
SSC recently issued a draft request for proposals and a request for information for the NSSL Enterprise Payload Processing Management effort, an initiative that aims to centralize the scheduling and procurement of payload processing services for space vehicle programs.
In April, the command sought industry input to identify launch providers that could support up to 25 high-priority NSSL Phase 3 missions scheduled for fiscal years 2027 to 2029.
