SpaceX Wins 60% of $13.7B Space Force Contracts as ULA, Blue Origin Join NSSL Phase 3

April 7, 2025
4 mins read
Representative Image. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Photo Source - NASA HQ PHOTO (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Representative Image. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Photo Source - NASA HQ PHOTO (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The U.S. Space Force has allocated $13.7 billion in launch service contracts for National Security Space missions through 2033, dividing the awards among three companies: SpaceX ($5.9 billion), United Launch Alliance ($5.4 billion), and Blue Origin ($2.4 billion).

This marks the first time three companies will share the responsibility for launching high-priority military and intelligence payloads under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 procurement program.

The Contract Breakdown

The Space Force anticipates awarding 54 launches over five years with SpaceX receiving approximately 60% of missions (28 launches), ULA getting about 35% (19 launches), and Blue Origin securing seven missions.

“Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space. “The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which increases the military’s readiness.”

Strategic Importance

These contracts support satellites essential for national security that provide:

  • Secure military communications
  • Precise positioning and navigation data
  • Intelligence gathering and missile warning capabilities

By engaging multiple providers, the Space Force aims to reduce risks and foster market competition. If one provider experiences delays, others can step in to maintain launch schedules.

The Competitive Landscape

SpaceX: The company’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets have demonstrated reliability while their reusable technology offers cost advantages. SpaceX is adapting Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Space Force Base to support vertical integration capabilities.

ULA: The Boeing-Lockheed Martin joint venture achieved certification for its Vulcan Centaur rocket on March 26, 2025. The rocket is designed to replace the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. ULA is converting SLC-3E to support Vulcan operations.


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“We are proud that we have launched 100 national security space missions and honored to continue serving the nation with our new Vulcan rocket,” said Tory Bruno, ULA President and CEO.

Blue Origin: The Jeff Bezos-founded company is the newest entrant, having launched its New Glenn rocket for the first time in January. Blue Origin is expected to begin missions in the program’s second year, contingent on certification of its vehicle.

“Honored to serve additional national security missions in the coming years and contribute to our nation’s assured access to space,” said Dave Limp, Blue Origin CEO. “This is a great endorsement of New Glenn’s capabilities.”

Two-Lane Strategy

The Space Force has split the NSSL Phase 3 procurement into two distinct lanes:

Lane 1: Focuses on commercial-like missions with lower risk tolerance. Rocket Lab and Stoke Space were recently added alongside the three main providers.

Lane 2: Targets critical payloads requiring enhanced performance and security standards. These missions often involve direct insertions to geostationary orbit and require capabilities unique to military needs.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, emphasized, “A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security.”

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On his social media platform, SpaceX founder Elon Musk wrote: “Winning 60 percent of the missions may sound generous, but the reality is that all SpaceX competitors combined cannot currently deliver the other 40 percent! I hope they succeed, but they aren’t there yet.”

Work under these contracts will be performed at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Kennedy Space Center, and Vandenberg Space Force Base through April 2033.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is the Space Force spending on these launch contracts?
The U.S. Space Force is spending $13.7 billion in total for launch service contracts through 2033. This amount is divided among three companies: SpaceX ($5.9 billion), United Launch Alliance ($5.4 billion), and Blue Origin ($2.4 billion). These contracts cover 54 planned launches for national security missions.
Why is the Space Force contracting with three different companies instead of just one?
The Space Force is using multiple providers to reduce risk and increase competition. If one company experiences delays or failures, others can step in to maintain the launch schedule. This strategy also fosters market competition, which can drive down costs and encourage innovation in the space launch industry.
What types of missions will these rockets be launching?
These rockets will be launching National Security Space missions, primarily carrying critical military and intelligence satellites. These satellites provide essential services like secure military communications, precise positioning and navigation data, and intelligence gathering capabilities including missile warning systems. Many of these missions require direct insertion to geostationary orbit.
Can Blue Origin handle national security launches if they’ve only flown once?
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has only flown once so far, and the company must achieve certification before handling national security payloads. The Space Force has structured the contract so Blue Origin will begin missions in the program’s second year, contingent on successful certification of its vehicle. This gives the company time to prove its capabilities.
What is the difference between Lane 1 and Lane 2 in these contracts?
The Space Force’s NSSL Phase 3 program has two distinct “lanes.” Lane 1 focuses on less critical, commercial-like missions with lower risk tolerance. Lane 2 (the focus of this $13.7 billion contract) targets high-priority payloads requiring enhanced performance and security standards, often involving direct insertions to geostationary orbit and requiring capabilities unique to military needs.
When will these launches actually happen?
While the contracts run through 2033, the actual launches are projected to occur from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. Missions are typically assigned two years ahead of their scheduled launches to allow for integration and preparation. The Space Force will assign missions on an annual basis, with the first round of fiscal 2025 mission awards expected later this year.

Sunita Somvanshi

With over two decades of dedicated service in the state environmental ministry, this seasoned professional has cultivated a discerning perspective on the intricate interplay between environmental considerations and diverse industries. Sunita is armed with a keen eye for pivotal details, her extensive experience uniquely positions her to offer insightful commentary on topics ranging from business sustainability and global trade's environmental impact to fostering partnerships, optimizing freight and transport for ecological efficiency, and delving into the realms of thermal management, logistics, carbon credits, and energy transition. Through her writing, she not only imparts valuable knowledge but also provides a nuanced understanding of how businesses can harmonize with environmental imperatives, making her a crucial voice in the discourse on sustainable practices and the future of industry.

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