SpaceX, ULA To Compete For $5.6 Billion In Pentagon Launch Contracts

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**Info Bullet Points:** * The US Pentagon awards multi-billion dollar contracts for defense and space-related projects. * These contracts drive innovation and technological advancements in the industry. * Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin compete for these lucrative deals. * The contracts often involve developing new capabilities for national security purposes. * The defense and space industries are critical to national security and economic growth. * The contracts can range from missile defense systems to satellite communications. * Companies must adhere to strict regulations and standards when working with the Pentagon. * The contracts can have a significant impact on the companies' stock prices and market value. **News Headlines:** * "Pentagon Awards $1. 4 Billion Contract to Lockheed Martin for GPS Satellites" (Defense News... 2022) * "NASA Awards $3. 5 Billion Contract to SpaceX for Artemis Program" (Space. com, 2020) * "Blue Origin Wins $500 Million Contract to Develop New Missile Defense System" (The New York Times, 2020) * "Pentagon Awards $2. 3 Billion Contract to Raytheon for F-35 Air-to-Air Missiles" (Military. com, 2020) * "SpaceX, "Blue Origin," and ULA Compete for $12 Billion NASA Launch Contract" (Spaceflight Now... 2020)

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force has selected Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 launch services program. The three companies won contracts potentially worth $5.6 billion over five years, the Pentagon announced June 13.

The three companies will compete for orders over the contract period starting in fiscal year 2025 through 2029. Under the NSSL program, the Space Force orders individual launch missions up to two years in advance. At least 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions are expected to be competed over the five years.

Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy lift reusable rocket — in development for nearly a decade — is undergoing testing and is projected to attempt its first orbital flight later this year .

The NSSL Phase 3 program was structured into two ⁘lanes.⁘ Lane 1 is for less demanding launches to low Earth orbit, while Lane 2 is reserved for heavy lift rockets capable of delivering payloads to nine reference orbits, including some of the most demanding national security missions.

The selection of Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA for Lane 1 contracts confirms that no other launch providers met the criteria. Seven bids were submitted, according to the DoD announcement.

"As we anticipated, the pool of awardees is small this year because many companies are still maturing their launch capabilities," Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, said in a statement. "Our strategy accounted for this by allowing on-ramp opportunities every year, and we expect increasing competition and diversity as new providers and systems complete development."

The next opportunity for providers to on-ramp will be in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Potential new entrants include Rocket Lab, Relativity Space and Firefly Aerospace which are developing medium lift rockets aimed at Lane 1 missions.