SSC Awards 3 National Security Space Launch Contracts

The Space Systems Command has awarded National Security Space Launch, or NSSL, Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts with a cumulative amount of $13.68 billion to three companies.

NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 Contract Details

The U.S. Space Force said Friday SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin received contracts worth $5.92 billion, $5.37 billion and $2.39 billion, respectively.

The firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contracts cover the procurement of critical space support aimed at meeting national security objectives. This includes launch services, specialized mission services, accelerated mission deployment, rapid response and anomaly mitigation, special studies, launch service support, fleet monitoring, early integration studies and mission assessment.

Under SpaceX’s contract, the company will serve as the Requirement 1 provider and will receive 28 missions. ULA will be the Requirement 2 provider and is expected to secure 19 missions. Both companies will conduct Phase 3 Lane 2 missions from fiscal year 2025 to 2029. Blue Origin, meanwhile, is expected to get seven missions starting in Order Year 2 as the Requirement 3 provider.

The Phase 3 Acquisition Strategy will employ a dual-contract strategy aimed at guaranteeing reliable and affordable space access for the integrated space architecture in line with national security requirements.

“A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security,” said U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, a three-time Wash100 Award winner. “National Security Space Launch isn’t just a program; it’s a strategic necessity that delivers the critical space capabilities our warfighters depend on to fight and win.”

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