DoD pushes out 3 loans totaling $450M to bolster US space companies
One industry source told Breaking Defense that the reason for the spate of new loan announcements is that the Pentagon "needed to finalize loans by the end of the fiscal year."
SpaceX wins $1.6B to launch Space Force ‘sensing and targeting’ sats
The SpaceX task order is the first to be awarded since the Space Force's July 17 massive $11.4 billion plus-up to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract vehicle ceiling.
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Extra $11 billion to fund huge leap in Space Force launches
The service now expects 170 NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 launches between 2025-2034, up from 60.
Space Force adds two startups to small, medium launch pool
The two additions to SSC's National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program bring the total number of qualified launch providers to seven.
National security launch schedule not likely impacted by New Glenn disaster
NSSL will be okay because it can still rely on the Falcon 9 workhorse," said Todd Harrison, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
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.
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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.
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.
From directed energy to AI and hardening, JIATF-401 is widening counter-UAS options
There is no single answer to the drone threat, pushing the Pentagon toward a broader mix of defenses.
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.
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.