United Launch Alliance (ULA), Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin won a combined $13.7 billion in launch service contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense to handle some of its most critical missions. SpaceX won $5.9 billion, United Launch Services $5.4 billion, and Blue Origin was awarded $2.4 billion.
The contracts, announced on April 4, 2025, are part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 procurement process. As the U.S. faces increasing space competition, these companies will play an integral role in ensuring the country’s technological dominance in space for years to come.
The agreement covers 54 launches scheduled to take place between fiscal years 2025 and 2029, with actual liftoffs expected from 2027 through 2032.
Breakdown of contracts
- SpaceX won $5.9 billion and is anticipated to be awarded 28 missions (about 60%) of the Phase 3 Lane 2 missions from FY25 to FY29.
- United Launch Services won $5.4 billion and is expected to be awarded 19 missions (about 40%) of the Phase 3 Lane 2 missions from FY25 to FY29.
- Blue Origin was awarded $2.4 billion and is projected to be awarded seven Phase 3 Lane 2 missions starting in Order Year 2.
Battle for Space Dominance
The U.S. military’s space ambitions have long been dominated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. However, the emergence of SpaceX in recent years has significantly disrupted this duopoly. Since 2015, SpaceX has fought its way into the Pentagon’s good graces, securing a growing share of military launch contracts. And now, with the latest Phase 3 awards, SpaceX’s dominance seems cemented.
Having already won over 40% of the Pentagon’s space contracts, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets are now the go-to for many high-stakes missions. For the new Phase 3 contracts, SpaceX will be tasked with 28 launches—almost 60% of the total missions. This move further solidifies SpaceX’s role as the U.S. military’s top launch provider.
SpaceX may have outpaced ULA in recent years, but ULA’s steady performance, backed by decades of experience, ensures that it remains a trusted partner for high-stakes military launches.
Blue Origin makes its debut
While SpaceX’s presence in military launches is well-established, the inclusion of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin in these contracts is a major milestone. For the first time, Blue Origin will launch military satellites, with a contract worth $2.39 billion for seven missions. This marks the company’s entry into the national security space launch market, a move made possible by the successful orbit of its New Glenn rocket earlier this year.
Though Blue Origin’s missions won’t begin until the second year of the contract, this marks an exciting new chapter for the company. The addition of Blue Origin to the mix adds another layer of competition and security for the U.S. military’s space objectives.
Key Highlights
- With 28 missions valued at $5.92 billion, SpaceX will dominate the launch landscape.
- ULA secures 19 missions worth $5.37 billion, maintaining its longstanding role.
- Blue Origin enters the Pentagon launch market for the first time, landing a contract for seven missions worth $2.39 billion.
- Mission Timeline: The contracts cover 54 missions from FY2025 to FY2029, with launches occurring between 2027 and 2032.
- Critical Missions: These launches are vital for secure communications, missile warning systems, and other national defense operations.
Strengthening National Security through Space
General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, emphasized the significance of these launches for national security: “A robust and resilient space launch architecture is the foundation of both our economic prosperity and our national security. National Security Space Launch isn’t just a program; it’s a strategic necessity that delivers the critical space capabilities our warfighters depend on to fight and win.”
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, underscored the importance of these partnerships, saying, “America leads the world in space launch, and through these NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contracts, we will ensure continued access to this vital domain.” He added: “These awards bolster our ability to launch critical defense satellites while strengthening our industrial base and enhancing operational readiness.”
What’s Next for US Space Force?
With 84 missions expected between 2025 and 2029, the NSSL Phase 3 procurement process is one of the largest and most ambitious efforts in recent years to enhance the U.S. military’s space launch capabilities. The dual-lane approach—dividing missions into high-assurance and more commercial-like categories—ensures both affordability and reliability for the most critical payloads.
The NSSL Phase 3 contract also seeks to establish long-term partnerships that will shape how the U.S. operates in space for decades. These agreements will enable the U.S. military to stay at the forefront of space technology while safeguarding its interests against emerging threats.
For the U.S. Space Force, these contracts are more than just about rockets and satellites—they are central to national security. As global powers increasingly invest in their own space capabilities, securing access to reliable and resilient space launch services has never been more critical. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space, explained that the “award culminates nearly three years of government and industry partnership to increase launch resiliency and capacity. The result is assured access to space for our national security missions, which enhances the military’s readiness.”
