SpaceX has once again strengthened its dominance in the U.S. defense sector, securing five of seven major launch missions under the U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 program. The latest awards, valued at $714 million, position SpaceX as the Pentagon’s preferred launch provider through 2027.
The U.S. Space Systems Command confirmed last week that SpaceX will handle a mix of classified payloads, communications satellites, and reconnaissance missions, all scheduled to begin launching around 2027.
United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, received the remaining two missions worth $428 million.
Blue Origin, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, which joined the competition earlier this year, was left out due to its New Glenn rocket still awaiting military certification.
Five Missions Awarded to SpaceX
Under this latest round, SpaceX will conduct five launches:
- USSF-206, carrying the 12th Wideband Global Satcom (WGS-12) communication satellite built by Boeing
- Three classified Space Force missions: USSF-155, USSF-149, and USSF-63
- NROL-86, a reconnaissance mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Each of these missions is part of the U.S. government’s effort to maintain secure and continuous military communications and surveillance capabilities in orbit.
ULA and Blue Origin
As noted, ULA will handle two missions—USSF-88, which carries a GPS IIIF satellite, and NROL-88, another classified payload for the NRO. Together, these contracts are valued at $428 million. While ULA continues to play a secondary role, Blue Origin remains on standby until its New Glenn rocket achieves full certification.
The company’s upcoming NASA Mars mission later this fall is expected to advance that process, giving it another chance to compete in fiscal year 2027.
