5 minute read•Updated 2:04 PM EDT, Sat April 5, 2025
In a move to bolster national security and strengthen the domestic space launch industrial base, the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a combined $13.7 billion in launch service contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin.
The awards, unveiled by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command, mark the beginning of Phase 3 Lane 2 of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, a pivotal initiative for securing the nation's most sensitive space missions.
These contracts will span from fiscal years 2025 through 2029, covering 54 missions critical to U.S. military and intelligence operations. This marks the first time in history that three companies have been concurrently selected to conduct high-priority national security launches.
“This is a strategic investment in assured access to space...A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security.” - Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force.
Contract Breakdown
SpaceX emerged as the top contractor with $5.9 billion in projected awards and is expected to carry out 28 missions, roughly 60% of the total.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) follows closely with nearly $5.4 billion and 19 launches, about 35% of the manifest.
Blue Origin, participating in its first NSSL contract, is slated for seven launches and $2.4 billion, contingent on certification of its New Glenn rocket.
The missions will support critical U.S. space assets, such as missile warning, secure communications, navigation, and intelligence gathering—requiring the highest levels of mission assurance.
High-Energy Orbits and Elevated Stakes
Phase 3 Lane 2 covers the most complex and security-sensitive space launches, including deliveries to geostationary orbit (GEO), highly elliptical orbits (HEO), and other demanding trajectories. These missions often support national defense systems and must meet enhanced reliability, integration, and risk mitigation requirements.
Although launches under these contracts will begin in FY2027, missions will be assigned starting in FY2025, allowing launch providers time to coordinate with government teams on hardware readiness, system integration, and mission planning.
“These contracts ensure continued access to this vital domain...They allow for flexibility, innovation, and resilience across a range of mission profiles.” - Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Blue Origin’s Certification Path and Market Disruption
The inclusion of Blue Origin signals a shift in U.S. space policy toward broader competition. Although New Glenn has yet to be certified for national security launches and has only flown once, Space Force officials expressed confidence in its trajectory toward readiness.
Blue Origin will enter the manifest starting in the second year of the program, assuming successful certification.
The move challenges the previously duopolistic structure of ULA and SpaceX, both of which have dominated the NSSL landscape since Phase 2 contracts were awarded in 2020. It also aligns with long-term Pentagon goals to eliminate reliance on Russian-built RD-180 engines; once central to ULA’s Atlas V rocket; and promote a diverse and domestically sourced launch ecosystem.
ULA’s Vulcan Certified, Ready to Launch
ULA is also entering Phase 3 with a newly certified rocket. Its Vulcan Centaur vehicle, which cleared a major milestone on March 26, replaces the aging Atlas and Delta IV families.
Vulcan is scheduled to begin fulfilling Phase 2 contractslater this year and will be central to ULA’s performance under this latest award.
Dual-Lane Strategy Supports Flexibility and Innovation
The broader NSSL Phase 3 strategy includes two competitive “lanes”:
Lane 1 supports lower-risk, commercially compatible missions, expected to total around 30 launches.
Lane 2—the focus of today’s announcement—targets strategic, high-risk payloads with elevated security and performance needs.
Missions under both lanes will be awarded annually, with Lane 2 assignments beginning later this year for FY2025 and continuing each October through the end of the contract period.
Building the Future of National Security Space Launch
The $13.7 billion investment reflects the Pentagon’s long-term vision of ensuring “assured access to space”—a strategic priority in an increasingly contested and congested domain. With adversaries developing space-based weapons and targeting U.S. satellites, the ability to reliably launch and maintain orbital infrastructure is now more vital than ever.
This Phase 3 award signals a new era in U.S. launch capability; one defined by competition, technological innovation, and strategic redundancy.
“We’re building a space launch enterprise that is not only dependable, but also adaptable to future threats and mission needs...It’s a long-term investment in our national resilience.” - Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force.
