The Space Systems Command (SSC) has finalized the assignment of 21 launch service missions for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract. This marks the fifth and final order year for the Phase 2 contract.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to handle 11 missions, while Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) has been allocated 10. These missions, part of Order Year 5 (OY5), are slated for launch within the next two to three years and span various mission areas.
“Over the five-year Phase 2 contract, we will have ordered a total of 48 missions, a significant increase over the 34 missions originally estimated,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer, Assured Access to Space.
Mission Details
Several missions are in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 Transport Layer launches are also part of the assignments, aimed at providing military data and connectivity worldwide.
The GPS III-9 and GPS III-10 missions are the final projected GPS III missions, introducing several improvements and novel capabilities compared to previous GPS satellite blocks.
“As we complete this phase of the NSSL program and embark on NSSL Phase 3 starting in FY25, ULA and SpaceX have been committed partners,” said Col. Chad Melone, SSC senior materiel leader, Mission Solutions Space Acquisition Delta.
Space Systems Command manages a $15 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and collaborates with joint forces, industry, and other organizations to outpace emerging threats.
Back in September, SpaceX secured its first U.S. space contract from the Pentagon. SpaceX will help the U.S. government build its Starshield program, which offers customized satellite communications at low-Earth orbit altitudes of 100 to 1,000 miles.
