Space Force shifts GPS III launch from ULA to SpaceX
The shift follows Vulcan's February grounding under the National Security Space Launch program to resolve persistent problems with its solid rocket boosters.
Space Force pauses national security launches on Vulcan
"We're still in the initial phases of that investigation, so we'll continue to to work with the United Launch Alliance and their suppliers to make sure we've got the right level of insight and understand where that investigation is headed," Col. Eric Zarybnisky said.
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Tory Bruno to lead new Blue Origin national security unit
The company's announcement did not explain how the new National Security Group would change, if at all, Blue Origin's current organization and/or practices under its national security unit headed since August by Tom Martin.
Blue Origin on track for NSSL certification after second successful New Glenn launch
Blue Origin also stuck the landing of New Glenn's reusable first stage, becoming only the second company after SpaceX to do so.
Space Force taps SpaceX, ULA for first set of critical launches beyond FY27
SpaceX was assigned seven NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches under a contract worth $714 million; ULA two launches worth $428 million.
Amid Trump, Musk blowup, canceling SpaceX contracts could cripple DoD launch program
Elon Musk's SpaceX is already expected to conduct more than two dozen national security-related space launches over the next few years.
Modernizing defense enterprise IT without disrupting the mission
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Northrop Grumman pumps $50M into Firefly for medium launch vehicle
"With a 16 metric ton to orbit capability, Eclipse is a sweet spot for programs like NSSL Lane 1 and a natural fit to launch proliferated constellations," said Firefly CEO Jason Kim.
Space Force awards first next-gen critical launch contracts to Blue Origin, SpaceX, ULA
While the number of launches contracted to Blue Origin is small, the award represents a vote of confidence for the company founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Space Force greenlights Rocket Lab, Stoke for future launches
Both companies were awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contracts under the service's National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1.
ULA’s Vulcan rocket certified for national security launches
With that thumbs up from Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space program office in hand, ULA now is the second fully certified launch provider, along with SpaceX, cleared under the Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.
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Awaiting Space Force certification, ULA says future missions could aim to baffle Chinese watcher sats
ULA CEO Tory Bruno separately told reporters his firm identified a "manufacturing" error as the cause of an anomaly in its latest certification launch.
Space Force plans 18 NSSL launches in 2025, including on ULA’s Vulcan
Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Space Force acquisition leader for assured access to space, said her focus going forward is "resiliency" across her portfolio, which includes launch vehicles, range infrastructure and capacity, and base security.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket reaches orbit in first test flight
Service leaders see the launch vehicle as a future competitor to SpaceX's Falcon series rockets that currently have a lock on the most critical launches under the Defense Department's National Security Space Launch program.
Space Force launches for ULA’s Vulcan slip to next year
Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, chief of the Space Force’s Space Systems Command, stated that the service will not move forward with awards for the newest round of the National Security Space Launch program until Congress approves the fiscal 2025 budget.