Go boldly: The American spacecraft granted $ 13.7 billion from contracts to Spacex, the UNITED launch alliance, and the blue asset in the framework of the Muster Sage Launch Phase 3. Contracts will last until 2029 and the first time that three companies will have one-time companies will take up higher priority satellite tasks-which indicates a new era of competition in the launch operations of the defense space.
Spacex content The largest share of contracts, $ 5.9 billion fell for 28 launch. Meanwhile, ULA earned $ 5.4 billion to 19 missions, and the blue origin earned $ 2.4 billion for seven. These launch operations will carry a sensitive load – such as the national satellite of the reconnaissance offices – to orbits that require advanced technical accuracy. As her first attempt for the NSSL Award, Blue Orige’s inserts alongside veteran contractors on the dynamics of the transformation in the military launch industry.
A closer look at the financial statements reveals differences in the remarkable cost between service providers. The average spacex price per launch is about $ 212 million – much less than 282 million dollars than ULA and $ 341 million from Ouring. These numbers not only include the same releases, but also include additional services such as fleet monitoring and task studies.
Stage 3 NSSL program Divisions It is launched in two tracks: Lane 1 for commercial style missions and Lane 2 for high -risk national security downloads. The last prizes are under Corridor 2, demanding strict performance and security standards to reduce risks. This structure opens the door for the latest Lane 1 service providers while keeping Lane 2 for systems that can meet the most complex program requirements.
The stage 3 represents a large expansion of its predecessor, as 84 expected tasks were identified between the financial years 2025 and 2029 – nearly twice the number that was made during the second stage. Among these, 54 tasks are allocated to Lane 2, which confirms the importance of this part in maintaining national security.
Every leading missile provider will use these tasks. Spacex will publish Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, while United Launch Alliance will depend on the newly authorized Vulcan Center, which gives up Rockkets Delta IV and the oldest atlas v. Blue Origin New Glenn, who has completed her first trip earlier this year but still needs an additional certificate before dealing with Lane 2 tasks.
Competitive dynamics to launch the military area have turned significantly over the past decade. Although ULA has once controlled this sector, it is now facing fierce competition from the Falcon reinforceable reinforceable than Spacex, which provides a more cost -effective alternative. Since the eligibility acquired bidding on military contracts in 2015, Spacex has acquired more than 40 percent of NSSL tasks, which increased its role as a major partner for the Pentagon.
Blue origin takes steps in this field, but it faces obstacles. The company needs at least one trip in the New Glenn Rocket to achieve a full certificate of Lane 2 tasks, with this teacher expected in late 2026, and at the same time, Ula charged the Volcan missile after two successful pilots. ULA, designed for complex tropical maneuvers and long -term missions, is designed for the missile to distinguish it from competitors.
Winning may seem 60 % of the tasks generously, but the fact is that all the Spacex competitors combined can currently do not present 40 % of others!
I hope they succeed, but they are not there yet.
Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 4, 2025
In addition to Lane 2 tasks, Lane 1 provides opportunities for newer players such as Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to enter the military launch market with a low -risk load designated for low -Earth orbit. These less tasks are required for less certificates requirements, which enhances a wider participation while maintaining cost efficiency.