SpaceX secures $733.5 million in new contracts for national security space missions

Updated in October. 19 with additional information about the work orders

WASHINGTON – SpaceX has received contracts for nine launches under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command announced Oct. 18.

The contracts, worth $733.5 million, include seven missions for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and two for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), scheduled to launch in late 2025 and 2026. These are part of the NSSL Phase 3 procurement of launch services for the US defense and intelligence community.

The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program is structured as an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, a flexible procurement method commonly used in public procurement. The total value of the Lane 1 contract is estimated at $5.6 billion over five years, with Blue Origin, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) selected as lead suppliers competing for individual task orders.

The Space Development Agency is using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to launch small satellites into a constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO), a satellite network designed to improve military communications and intelligence capabilities. SpaceX has already completed two successful launches for the Tranche 0 portion of the SDA constellation.

• The seven SDA launches are for the agency's Tranche 2 Transport Layer, with three scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and four from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
• The two missions for the NRO will be launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

“The Phase 3 Lane 1 construct allows us to execute launch services for risk-tolerant payloads more quickly, delivering more capabilities to orbit more quickly in support of national security,” Brigadier General said. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program manager for assured access to space for the Space Force.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket has not yet completed its first launch and must complete at least two successful flights to qualify for NSSL certification, while ULA's Vulcan Centaur, which has completed two flights, is still waiting for the final one Certification for the program awaits.

Opportunities for emerging providers

The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program aims to promote competition and innovation by allowing newer startup providers to join the pool of companies under the IDIQ. Rocket Lab and other emerging companies are expected to participate in upcoming tenders, with opportunities to launch new systems planned for later this year.

Track 1 focuses on commercial missions where higher risk is acceptable. These missions are suitable for newer companies that may not yet have a proven track record but can offer more cost-effective solutions. This approach is in contrast to Track 2, which will handle more sensitive missions requiring established, fully certified launch vehicles. The contracts for Lane 2 have yet to be awarded.

At least 30 Lane 1 missions are planned during the five-year base ordering period, which runs from fiscal years 2025 to 2029. Additionally, the contract includes a five-year extension option, potentially delaying the program until 2034.

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