The U.S. Space Force awarded two National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 task orders in support of its Space Access portfolio’s sensing and targeting capabilities. The task orders were awarded to SpaceX for a total of $1.6 billion.
The awards assure 18 Falcon 9 launches supporting the Space Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio. All launches will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and are expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats. The command manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of War, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations.
KEY QUOTE:
Sensing and targeting of airborne objects from space and providing near-real-time communications across the Joint Force are vital to the defense of our nation. The rapid acquisition capabilities provided by our NSSL Phase 3 dual-lane approach allows us the flexibility to deliver satellites for our warfighters in an increasingly efficient manner.
We have set an unprecedented two-month acquisition timeline under the Phase 3 Lane 1 contract from requirement identification to award. This includes the one-month period for the launch service providers’ proposal preparation. Ultimately, this timeline results in the speed our warfighter demands more than ever before.
Space Force Col. Eric Zarybnisky, Acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space Access
