SpaceX has won a major contract worth $733 million from the US Space Force, securing eight launches under the "National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1" program. The Space Systems Command (SSC) of the US Space Force awarded SpaceX Launch Service Task Orders (LSTOs) totaling $733.5 million.
Brigadier General Kristin Panzenhagen, the program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, emphasized the importance of speed in launching capabilities into space. “In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground,” Panzenhagen said.
The contract covers seven launches for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and one for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), with the launches expected no earlier than 2026.
Lt Col Douglas Downs, SSC’s materiel leader for Space Launch Procurement, expressed excitement about initiating this effort, which supports critical NRO and SDA missions. He highlighted the competitive process, stating that the dual-lane strategy has streamlined the launch service acquisition, benefiting national security by delivering assets faster.
The Phase 3 Lane 1 award period runs from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2029, with the option of extending for an additional five years. This contract is part of the Space Force’s broader efforts to enhance national security through space capabilities.
The Space Systems Command, which oversees the contract, is tasked with acquiring and delivering resilient warfighting technologies for the US. It manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and collaborates with joint forces, industry, government, and academic institutions to maintain the nation's strategic advantage in space.
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