The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Space Force rocket contracts worth a combined $13.5 billion to three major aerospace firms—SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin. The contracts cover approximately 54 launches through 2029 under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 procurement program.
According to the Space Systems Command, these missions will be assigned via incremental task orders and will involve the deployment of some of the Pentagon’s most sensitive and high-priority satellites. The award of Space Force rocket contracts to these companies marks a strategic step to enhance competition and diversify launch capabilities for U.S. national security.
The inclusion of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin alongside industry veterans SpaceX and ULA represents a notable development in the U.S. launch market. All three firms will contribute to missions supporting advanced communications, missile warning systems, and surveillance platforms vital to the Pentagon’s operational needs.
By distributing Space Force rocket contracts across multiple providers, the U.S. aims to reduce risk and maintain assured access to space amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing threats in the space domain.
