Space Force orders 21 new National Security Space Launches: 11 to ULA, 10 to SpaceX

Space Force orders 21 new National Security Space Launches: 11 to ULA, 10 to SpaceX
Space Force orders 21 new National Security Space Launches: 11 to ULA, 10 to SpaceX

The planned launches, which will take place starting in FY26, include sending a second SILENTBARKER watchdog satellite jointly developed by the service and the National Reconnaissance Office to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO).  

Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028

Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028
Space Force sticks to plan for 3 high-value launch providers through 2028

Interested companies have until Dec. 15 to respond to the service’s dual requests for proposals: one for the critical, high-dollar NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches; and the other for Lane 1 small launches.

Space Force plans to ‘guarantee’ future launch missions with 3 providers faces near term challenge

Space Force plans to ‘guarantee’ future launch missions with 3 providers faces near term challenge
Space Force plans to ‘guarantee’ future launch missions with 3 providers faces near term challenge

While Space Systems Command hasn’t publicly expressed concerns, outside observers point out that there is a real possibility that only Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be able to undertake National Security Space Launches in the next few years.

Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts

Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts
Space Force plans to open access for small providers to multibillion launch contracts

“We developed an acquisition strategy consisting of a dual-lane approach that provides access to diverse commercially available systems,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, Space Force’s acquisition lead for space launch.

With billions at stake, lobbying heats up for future rights to Space Force launches

With billions at stake, lobbying heats up for future rights to Space Force launches
With billions at stake, lobbying heats up for future rights to Space Force launches

“Key for us is allowing on-ramps, allowing for some smaller launches to have a chance,” a senior Space Force official told Breaking Defense, in order to avoid billion-dollar “Titan-era prices.”

Space Force to loft 2 new ‘neighborhood watch’ sats, as leader frets launch funds

Space Force to loft 2 new ‘neighborhood watch’ sats, as leader frets launch funds
Space Force to loft 2 new ‘neighborhood watch’ sats, as leader frets launch funds

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond said should a year-long continuing resolution come to pass, the disruption for sat launches would “ripple” for years.

Blue Origin Engine For NSSL Behind Schedule, But SecAF Kendall Isn’t Worried

Blue Origin Engine For NSSL Behind Schedule, But SecAF Kendall Isn’t Worried
Blue Origin Engine For NSSL Behind Schedule, But SecAF Kendall Isn’t Worried

“Hopefully we’ll be all right and they (ULA) won’t have any additional scheduled steps. But I think the strategy has actually been demonstrated to be a good thing,” Air Force Frank Kendall says.

US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC

US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC
US ‘Will Fail’ If Space Acquisition Doesn’t Reform: CSPC

Space acquisition reform so far has been focused on “small dollar” activities, with most big-ticket programs such as NSSL stuck in the bad old ways, says a new report by Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

HASC, SASC Aim To Add Third NatSec Launch Provider

HASC, SASC Aim To Add Third NatSec Launch Provider
HASC, SASC Aim To Add Third NatSec Launch Provider

The HASC chair’s markup chides the GPS III program for “unjustified cost growth” in both Lockheed Martin’s GEO-based space segment and Raytheon’s OCX.

RAND Briefs Congress: America Faces Likely NatSec Launch Shortfall

RAND Briefs Congress: America Faces Likely NatSec Launch Shortfall
RAND Briefs Congress: America Faces Likely NatSec Launch Shortfall

RAND is warning Congress and the Air Force “that there may not be enough resources right now being allocated to launch” to mitigate the risks in NSSL acquisition plans.

How To Avoid Protests To National Security Launch Service Awards

How To Avoid Protests To National Security Launch Service Awards
How To Avoid Protests To National Security Launch Service Awards

Given the critical nature of National Security Space Launch, winners of the competition to replace the Atlas V and its Russian-made RD-180s engines should have the flexibility to adapt to unforeseen events, the self-knowledge and willingness to work closely with the Air Force, and a record of excellent performance to avoid wasteful contract award protests.…

Blue Origin Wins Protest But Little Change Likely For Launch

Blue Origin Wins Protest But Little Change Likely For Launch
Blue Origin Wins Protest But Little Change Likely For Launch

“I don’t think this appreciably changes the competitive landscape, except that it provides more time for congressional appeals by the competitors,” said one former DoD official about the GAO protest decision.

DoD Rethinks Launch Needs To Counter Russia, China

DoD Rethinks Launch Needs To Counter Russia, China
DoD Rethinks Launch Needs To Counter Russia, China

ULA CEO Tony Bruno says he “would not be surprised” if the Air Force National Security Space Launch Phase 3 competition includes a requirement for responsive launch.

DoD Swats Away Blue Origin Launch Protest

DoD Swats Away Blue Origin Launch Protest
DoD Swats Away Blue Origin Launch Protest

One space expert, with no skin in the NSSL game, opined that for the most part Blue Origin’s protest is “simply whining,” and characterized SpaceX’s lawsuit as “sour grapes.”