US Space Force awards SpaceX over $733M for national security launch services

US Space Force awards SpaceX over $733M for national security launch services
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 21, 2024

The US Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded SpaceX two National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Launch Service Task Orders (LSTOs), totaling $733,566,001. These task orders are the first under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in June 2024 and include one task order for seven Space Development Agency (SDA) launches and another for a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) mission set.

The first LSTO will support the launch of Space Vehicles (SVs) for the SDA's Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellite constellation. The second will facilitate the NRO mission set, scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

"In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground," said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space. "The Phase 3 Lane 1 construct allows us to execute launch services more quickly for the more risk-tolerant payloads, putting more capabilities on orbit faster in order to support National Security."

Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, SSC's materiel leader for Space Launch Procurement, added, "We are excited to kick off our innovative NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 effort with two task orders that support critical NRO and SDA missions. Industry stepped up to the plate and delivered on this competition. Our innovative dual-lane strategy is enabling a streamlined process from mission acquisition to launch, getting our assets on orbit for our warfighters' benefit more quickly. Plus, with the ability to on-ramp new providers and systems annually, we expect to see increasing competition and diversity."

The next opportunity for providers to introduce their systems to the Lane 1 IDIQ contract will occur later this year, followed by more task order requests for proposals in the third quarter of FY25. The Phase 3 Lane 1 award period includes a five-year base ordering period from FY25 to FY29, with an option for an additional five years. Over 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions are expected to be competed during the initial five-year period.

Space Systems Command is responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient warfighting capabilities to protect the U.S.'s strategic advantage in space. SSC oversees a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, collaborating with industry, joint forces, government agencies, and academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and counter emerging threats.