SpaceX has secured two significant launch contracts from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. These Launch Service Task Orders (LSTOs) contracts, valued at a combined $733.6 million, are the first of their kind to be awarded under the new $5.6 billion IDIQ contract established in June 2024.
The first task order will support the launch of seven Space Vehicles (SVs) for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellite constellation (designated T2TL-Dthrough J), developed by the Space Development Agency (SDA). These launches will take place between 2025 and 2026, with three launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and four from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The second task order will support an NRO mission set that will be launched into orbit in 2025 and 2026. All SpaceX launches will be conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
“The Phase 3 Lane 1 construct allows us to execute launch services more quickly for the more risk-tolerant payloads, putting more capabilities on orbit faster in order to support National Security, ” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space.
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program is designed to provide the U.S. Space Force with a more flexible and efficient way to procure launch services. The program allows for a more streamlined process from mission acquisition to launch, which will help to ensure that critical national security missions are completed on time.
The Transport Layer, much like the Tracking Layer, is being built in tranches starting with 0 with launch beginning in 2023. There are currently five prime manufacturers of Transport Layer satellites, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, York, Rocket Lab and Terran Orbital (Tyvak). The current awards go out to Tranche 2 with the Space Development Agency issuing a Request for Information for the third tranche of this system. These satellite tranches will be deployed in approximate two year intervals.
The Launch Service Providers (LSPs) – United Launch Services, SpaceX, and Blue Origin – will have another chance to join the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 IDIQ contract later this year. This will be followed by several more Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for launch services in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.
The Phase 3 Lane 1 contract has a five-year base period, running from Fiscal Year 2025 to 2029. There’s also a potential five-year option period after that. Over the initial five-year period, at least 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions will be competed between the three LSPs
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
Carter Palmer has long held a keen interest in military matters and aviation. As a FI's space systems analyst he is responsible for updating the reports and analyses within the Space Systems Forecast – Launch Vehicles & Manned Platforms and Space Systems Forecast – Satellites & Spacecraft products.
