SpaceX wins $733M Space Force launch contract to conduct SDO, NRO missions | Vandenberg Space Force Base

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering war-fighting capabilities between land and space while managing a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense.

SpaceX on Saturday posted to X, “Falcon 9 was selected by the @SpaceForceDoD to launch nine new national security missions!”

U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) confirmed in a press release on Friday that SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket was selected to support seven upcoming Space Development Agency missions and one set of National Reconnaissance Office missions, the latter slated for late 2025 and 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

“In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, in the press release. “The Phase 3 Lane 1 construct allows us to execute launch services more quickly for the more risk-tolerant payloads, putting more capabilities on orbit faster in order to support National Security.”

The National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 Launch Service are considered the first two national security task orders issued under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in June.

“We are excited to kick off our innovative NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 effort with two task orders that support critical NRO and SDA missions,” said Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, SSC’s materiel leader for Space Launch Procurement.

The SDA launches will assist with construction of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellite constellation.

“Industry stepped up to the plate and delivered on this competition,” said Downs. “Our innovative dual-lane strategy is enabling a streamlined process from mission acquisition to launch, getting our assets on orbit for our warfighters’ benefit more quickly. Plus, with the ability to on-ramp new providers and systems annually, we expect to see increasing competition and diversity.”

Command officials announced the next opportunity for providers to join the Lane 1 IDIQ contract will occur later this year, followed by several more Task Order RFPs for launch services in the third quarter of 2025.

At least 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions are expected to be competed over a five-year base ordering period, officials reported.