Expanding Support For Assured Access To Space Approach

The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command announced the award of three National Security Space Launch for Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts on April 4 totaling nearly $13.7 billion.

The companies getting contracts are SpaceX ($5.92B), United Launch Services ($5.37B), and Blue Origin ($2.39B).

The Phase 3 Acquisition Strategy includes a dual-lane track with two separate contract types to accomplish the requirements for the program and for national security. It also fulfills the assured access to space criteria for integrated space architecture at affordable prices.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, in highlighting the critical role of space dominance in national security said, "America leads the world in space launch, and through these NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts, we will ensure continued access to this vital domain. These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness."

The general NSSL Phase 3 Mission Manifest has nearly doubled compared to Phase 2 with 84 missions to be awarded between now and FY29.

Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space explained, “Today’s award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity.

"The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which increases the military’s readiness.”

The awards are allocated among the three launch providers as such: SpaceX as a Requirement 1 provider will get 28 missions, United Launch Alliance is a Requirement 2 provider and will get 19 missions, while Blue Origin is a Requirement 3 provider and is projected to get 7 Phase 3 Lane 2 launches beginning in Order Year 2.

FMI:  www.spaceforce.mil/