• Thursday, November 13, 2025
Rocket launch. The Space Force selected SpaceX and ULA for the first seven launches under NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts.
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Space Force Awards 7 NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Launches to SpaceX, ULA

    Author: Jane Edwards || Date Published: October 6, 2025

    The U.S. Space Force has selected SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to perform the first seven launches under the National Security Space Launch Program, or NSSL, Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts, Breaking Defense reported Friday.

    According to Space Systems Command’s announcement, SpaceX will get $714 million for five NSSL launches and ULA will receive $428 million for two launches.

    The assigned launches are expected to lift off in fiscal year 2027 at the earliest.

    In April, the Space Force awarded NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts worth $13.7 billion combined to SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin to launch missions carrying high-value payloads in support of national security objectives.

    SpaceX’s 5 NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Missions

    According to Breaking Defense, SpaceX missions with the Space Force are USSF-206; USSF-155; NROL-86; USSF-149; and USSF-63.

    The planned USSF-206 mission will transport the 12th Wideband Global SATCOM encrypted military communication satellite.

    ULA’s 2 NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Missions

    ULA will launch NROL-88 and USSF-88 missions carrying classified payloads for the National Reconnaissance Office.

    The USSF-88 mission will carry the fourth GPS III Follow-on satellite designed to deliver new capabilities.

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