Five missions go to SpaceX, two to ULA under National Security Space Launch Program Phase 3
The Space Force has announced the first assignments under its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Program Phase 3 Lane 2, awarding five missions to SpaceX and two to United Launch Alliance (ULA). These launches are for critical missions carrying high-value payloads or heading to challenging orbits.
Under the task order, SpaceX will receive $714 million, while ULA will receive $428 million.
Mission Breakdown
SpaceX is slated to launch the following missions:
- USSF-206/WGS-12: Carrying the twelfth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) encrypted military communication satellite.
- USSF-155: Payload details are classified.
- NROL-86: Carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
- USSF-149: Payload details are classified.
- USSF-63: Payload details are classified.
ULA will launch:
- NROL-88: Carrying a classified payload for the NRO.
- USSF-88/GPS IIIF-4: Carrying the fourth Global Positioning System III Follow-on (GPS IIIF) satellite, designed to upgrade existing GPS capabilities with stronger encryption.
Looking Ahead
The assigned Phase 3 Lane 2 launches are scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027.
In April, the Space Force selected SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin to compete for NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches. A total of 54 launches are anticipated under Phase 3 Lane 2 between now and 2030, with SpaceX expected to handle the majority.
Blue Origin was not assigned any launches in this initial tasking, as its New Glenn rocket has yet to complete its second certification launch, which is expected in late October.
