The Space Force is now seeking to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches
Summary
The U.S. Space Force is increasing its spending on rocket launches from $5.6 billion to $17 billion for one of its launch contracts. Combined with another contract, the total maximum spending may exceed $30 billion to support more military satellite launches.Key Facts
- The Space Force is expanding the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract for Lane 1 missions to $17 billion.
- Lane 1 missions involve medium-lift and experimental payload launches with less military oversight.
- Lane 2 missions are higher priority, requiring rockets with special military certification; only SpaceX and United Launch Alliance rockets are currently certified.
- The total combined maximum for Lane 1 and Lane 2 contracts now exceeds $30 billion.
- More launch companies have been added for Lane 1, including Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Relativity Space, and Impulse Space.
- SpaceX has won most task orders for these launches so far, with Blue Origin also winning some.
- Rising demand for launches is driven by programs like the Space Data Network and Airborne Moving Target Indicator satellite constellations, as well as the proposed missile defense system called Golden Dome.
- The number of planned launches has increased significantly in the last year, leading to higher contract values.
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