On July 20, 2026, the US Space Force announced an increase in the maximum value of its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) 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 choose from various launch providers for missions aimed at deploying military satellites into orbit. The program consists of two parts: Lane 1, which handles risk-tolerant missions, and Lane 2, which focuses on high-priority strategic missions, including significant spy satellites and radiation-hardened communications satellites.
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US Space Force increases National Security Space Launch contract 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 in response to rising demand for military satellite launches and allows for selection from multiple launch providers for various missions.
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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 to $17 billion