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

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

The awards are part of the service’s national security space launch initiative , known as NSSL, from which it obtains almost all of its military launch missions. According to the agreement, SpaceX will get $5.9 billion for executing 28 missions, ULA will secure $5.3 billion for launching 19, and Blue Origin will be awarded $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 process yet, but Following its maiden flight in January , it qualified to participate.

“Today’s recognition marks almost three years of collaboration between the government and private sector aimed at boosting launch reliability and capability,” stated Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, who leads the program office for assured access to space. “This effort ensures dependable access to space for our nation’s defense operations, thereby enhancing the military’s preparedness.”

The Space Force anticipates launching 84 missions from fiscal year 2027 through 2032—a figure almost twice as high as the total number of launches over the preceding half-decade. In order to handle this increased workload and open up opportunities for additional enterprises to enter the fray, 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 enterprises whose launch vehicles comply with stricter safety and operational standards.

SpaceX, ULA Blue Origin was similarly chosen to vie forLane 1missions as well. in addition to Stoke Space and Rocket Lab , which are both working on new rocket models 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.