On July 20, 2026, the US Space Force announced an increase in the maximum value of its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 contract from $5.6 billion to $17 billion. This decision reflects a growing demand for military satellite launches, as indicated by military officials. The NSSL program allows Space Systems Command to select from various launch providers for missions aimed at delivering military satellites into orbit. The program consists of two parts: Lane 1, which includes risk-tolerant missions such as medium-lift launches and rideshare missions, and Lane 2, which encompasses higher-priority strategic missions involving significant spy satellites and radiation-hardened communications satellites.
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US Space Force increases National Security Space Launch contract value to $17 billion
The US Space Force has announced an increase in the maximum value of its National Security Space Launch contract to $17 billion, up from $5.6 billion. This change is intended to address the rising demand for military satellite launches and allows for the selection of various launch providers for different mission types.
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The Space Force is now seeking to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches
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US Space Force increases National Security Space Launch contract value to $17 billion