Space Force Awards $13.5 Billion in Contracts to Top Launch Companies

The U.S. Space Force revealed over $13.5 billion in launch contracts on Friday to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin for tasks scheduled from fiscal year 2027 through 2032.

The awards are as part of their National Security Space Launch initiative , known as NSSL, from which it secures almost all of its military launch assignments. As part of this agreement, SpaceX will be paid $5.9 billion for executing 28 missions, ULA will get $5.3 billion for launching 19, and Blue Origin will receive $2.3 billion to carry out seven missions.

Although ULA and SpaceX are current NSSL contractors, Blue Origin is a newcomer to this initiative. The company’s New Glenn rocket hasn’t finished the Space Force’s certification requirements yet, but Following its maiden flight in January , it qualified to participate.

“Today’s accolade caps off almost three years of collaboration between the government and industries aimed at boosting resilience and capacity in launches,” stated Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, who leads the program executive office for assured access to space. “This effort ensures reliable access to space for our nation’s security operations, thereby enhancing the military’s preparedness.”

The Space Force anticipates launching 84 missions from fiscal year 2027 through 2032 — almost twice as many as those initiated during the preceding half-decade. In order to accommodate this increased workload and pave the way for additional enterprises to enter the competition, the organization has implemented an updated approach for these upcoming assignments.

With this method, the Space Force established two tracks where businesses can compete. Track 1 caters to commercially similar missions and targets newer entrants into the market. In contrast, Track 2, announced on Friday, is designated for companies whose rockets adhere to stricter safety and operational standards.

SpaceX, ULA And Blue Origin was likewise chosen to vie forLane 1missions. in addition to Stoke Space and Rocket Lab , which are both working on new rockets scheduled for launch this year.

The service plans to issue its initial call for proposals for Lane 1 launches later this spring, with opportunities for companies to vie for further missions starting in fiscal year 2026.