ULA and SpaceX share 21 mission assignments from SSC for FY24

ULA and SpaceX share 21 mission assignments from SSC for FY24
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 01, 2023

Space Systems Command (SSC) has outlined 21 mission assignments as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract. Marking the final order year for Phase 2 of the contract, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) have been awarded 11 and 10 missions, respectively. The missions, spanning various operational focus areas, are slated for liftoff within the next two to three years.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, the program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, noted, "Over the five-year Phase 2 contract, we will have ordered a total of 48 missions, a significant increase over the 34 missions originally estimated leading up to Phase 2." She underscored that this amplification in launch activities emphasizes the essential role that space-based capabilities play in delivering critical intelligence to both the U.S. military and national decision-makers.

Detailed Mission Assignments
For ULA, the mission list consists of various projects, such as GPS III-9, NROL-73, NROL-56, STP-5, SILENTBARKER 2/NROL-118, GPS IIIF-1, NROL-100, USSF-95, NROL-109, SDA T2TL-B, and USSF-25.

SpaceX has been tasked with the following missions: SDA T1TL-F, SDA T1TR-A, USSF-57, NROL-77, SDA T1TR-E, GPS III-10, USSF-75, SDA T2TL-A, SDA T2TL-C, and USSF-70.

Among these, a set of missions including NROL-77, NROL-73, NROL-56, NROL-109, and NROL-100 are collaborative efforts with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Advances in Space Capabilities
The list of missions highlights advancements in various dimensions of space capabilities. For instance, the SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer missions and the Tranche 2 Transport Layer missions aim to offer robust, low-latency military data and global connectivity. These initiatives are designed to serve a comprehensive range of military platforms.

The concluding GPS III-9 and GPS III-10 missions will lead into the first launch of the succeeding GPS III satellites, identified as GPS IIIF-1, showcasing several new features and capabilities in comparison to preceding GPS satellite blocks.

Final Remarks
Col. Chad Melone, SSC's senior materiel leader for Mission Solutions Space Acquisition Delta, stated, "Under our Phase 2 contract, ULA and SpaceX have been committed partners, and our combined team remains dedicated to the delivery of critical assets to our warfighters as we complete this phase of the NSSL program and embark on NSSL Phase 3 starting in FY25."

In summary, the allocation of these 21 missions marks a pivotal point in the efforts by SSC, under the U.S. Space Force, to strengthen America's strategic capabilities in space. With a $15 billion acquisition budget, SSC collaborates with a range of industry, government, and academic stakeholders to foster innovation and stay ahead of emerging threats.

ai.spacewar.com analysis

Relevance Scores:

1. Aerospace and Defense Industry Analyst: 10/10
2. Stock and Finance Market Analyst: 8/10
3. Government Policy Analyst: 9/10

Comprehensive Analyst Summary

Main Points:

The article highlights the final year of Phase 2 of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) contract, where ULA and SpaceX are set to launch 21 missions under the direction of Space Systems Command (SSC). This represents a significant amplification in launch activities, exceeding initial mission estimates and cementing the role of space-based capabilities in national security.

Implications:

- For the Aerospace and Defense Sector: The allocation between ULA and SpaceX signifies the duo's dominance in the aerospace and defense sector. The missions encompass GPS, reconnaissance, and data transport, indicating a diversified portfolio and signaling robust demand for these types of services. This could attract more private companies into the sector.

- For the Stock and Finance Markets: The split allocation between ULA and SpaceX could influence stock prices and investor sentiment towards these companies. A $15 billion acquisition budget suggests a lucrative market, but with two dominant players, the entry barrier for new competitors is high.

- For Government Policy: The increased mission count and advancements in capabilities reflect policy priorities for expanding America's strategic assets in space. The collaboration between industry, government, and academia indicates a multi-faceted approach to staying ahead of emerging threats.

Trends and Events Over 25 Years:

The article resonates with the historical growth of private sector involvement in space defense, which has evolved over the past 25 years from a primarily government-led operation to include significant private sector contributions. The partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) shows a trend toward increasing integration between private and public bodies.

Investigative Questions:

1. What does the substantial increase in mission counts indicate about the U.S. government's perception of space-related threats?

2. How do the individual missions contribute to the overall strategic space capabilities of the U.S.?

3. What impact will the large acquisition budget have on smaller competitors in the aerospace and defense industry?

4. Are there specific technical capabilities that are being prioritized in these missions, and what are their strategic implications?

5. How do the budget allocations and mission objectives align with broader U.S. government policy goals related to national security?

In sum, the announcement of 21 missions by SSC solidifies the critical role of aerospace companies like ULA and SpaceX in shaping America's space defense strategy and offers numerous implications for industry dynamics, financial markets, and government policy.