The US Space Force has selected three major aerospace companies—SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin—to carry out a series of satellite launches valued at a total of $13.5 billion through 2029.
These contracts fall under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program’s third phase, with approximately 54 missions scheduled to be assigned through incremental task orders. The contracts are intended to support the deployment of critical defense and intelligence satellites into orbit over the next several years.
Under the agreement, SpaceX has been assigned 28 missions, earning a contract valued at $5.9 billion. ULA, the joint venture formed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, is set to perform 19 missions for $5.3 billion. Meanwhile, Blue Origin has been tasked with seven missions, securing $2.3 billion in funding, with its launches expected to take place in later stages of the program.
Despite having less operational experience than its competitors, Blue Origin has been recognized alongside SpaceX and ULA as a significant player in the US launch industry. The selection underscores growing confidence in Blue Origin’s potential, even as its track record remains limited in comparison.
For the execution of these missions, SpaceX is expected to deploy its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. ULA will utilize its newly certified Vulcan rocket, which has recently received approval for national security-related launches.
These contracts were awarded as part of the NSSL Phase 3 “Lane 2” category, which encompasses the most demanding and high-stakes missions required by the Pentagon. SpaceX is projected to carry out the majority of launches during the program’s initial year, reflecting its frequent launch cadence and proven reliability.
Although ULA secured a significant portion of the missions—around 40%—concerns have been raised regarding its immediate readiness to deliver on its assignments. Elon Musk, the head of SpaceX, expressed skepticism about ULA’s current capabilities, while still hoping for their success.
The announcement further highlights the increasing dominance of SpaceX in the federal aerospace sector. This builds upon recent trends that have seen the company secure substantial government contracts, especially those involving military applications of its rocket technology.
On the global stage, competition is intensifying. Chinese aerospace startups, with support from President Xi Jinping, are rapidly developing their own reusable rockets in a bid to rival SpaceX’s technological lead by 2030.
SpaceX’s operational credibility was also reinforced in March following the safe return of NASA astronauts aboard a Dragon capsule after an extended mission on the International Space Station—an achievement that bolsters the company’s status as a trusted launch provider for both civilian and defense missions.
