On Friday evening, the US Space Force announced the conclusion of a long-awaited contract for the launch of national security missiles. The contract is worth about $14 billion, and it distributes missions between three leading companies: Blue Origin, SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance (ULA). This contract is known as "Band 2" of the third phase of the National Space Launch Safety Program (NSSL).
Contract Details
The contract is a fixed price with an unlimited delivery time. The missions will be distributed to launch service providers in batches over a five-year period starting in fiscal year 2025. A total of 54 launches are planned, distributed as follows: SpaceX will receive 28 launches worth $ 5.9 billion, ULA — 19 launches worth $ 5.3 billion, and Blue Origin — 7 launches worth $ 2.3 billion.
Program objectives
The goal of the NSSL program is to provide reliable and sustainable access to space to meet national security objectives. These missions include launches of sophisticated orbiters such as communications and missile attack warning systems. The launches will begin in 2027 and last until 2032.
The value of the contract
This contract is an important step in the development of the US space program. It confirms SpaceX's dominant position in the launch market, as well as opens up new opportunities for Blue Origin and ULA. The inclusion of Blue Origin in the NSSL program for the first time demonstrates the growing competition in the American space launch market.
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