All 18 launches will depart from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The campaign is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
The task orders were awarded through National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1. They form part of the Space Force’s Space Access acquisition portfolio.
The launches will support space-based sensing and targeting of airborne objects. The portfolio will also provide near-real-time communications across the Joint Force.
The Space Force completed the acquisition process within two months of identifying the requirement. That period included one month for launch service providers to prepare their proposals.
“Sensing and targeting of airborne objects from space and providing near-real-time communications across the Joint Force, are vital to the defense of our nation,” said Space Force Col. Eric Zarybnisky, acting portfolio acquisition executive for Space Access. “The rapid acquisition capabilities provided by our NSSL Phase 3 dual-lane approach allows us the flexibility to deliver satellites for our warfighters in an increasingly efficient manner.”
“We have set an unprecedented two-month acquisition timeline under the Phase 3 Lane 1 contract from requirement identification to award. This includes the one-month period for the launch service providers’ proposal preparation.”
“Ultimately, this timeline results in the speed our warfighter demands more than ever before.” The awards add 18 national security missions to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch schedule through 2027.
