The anticipated values of the contracts are approximately $5.9 billion for SpaceX, $5.3 billion for ULA, and $2.3 billion for Blue Origin. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, emphasized the importance of these contracts, stating, “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.” ​
The Phase 3 Acquisition Strategy employs a dual-lane approach to fulfill program and national security requirements, ensuring assured access to space at affordable prices. Major General Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, highlighted America’s leadership in space launch, remarking, “These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness.” ​
The NSSL Phase 3 Mission Manifest has nearly doubled compared to Phase 2, with an anticipated 84 missions to be awarded from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. This increase has enabled the implementation of the dual-lane acquisition strategy, dividing the manifest into approximately 30 commercial-like Lane 1 missions and 54 Lane 2 missions. Lane 2 focuses on securing assured access and the highest reliability for the most demanding, least risk-tolerant payloads. ​
Brigadier General Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space, noted the collaborative effort involved, stating, “Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity.” She further added, “The Phase 3 strategy provides the opportunity to compete for more missions annually, incentivizing continued innovation for future capabilities.”
Source: U.S. Space Force.
