Space Force awards $13.7 billion in contracts to SpaceX and two others for national security missions

Boldly going: The US Space Force has awarded $13.7 billion in contracts to SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program. The contracts run through 2029 and mark the first time three companies will simultaneously handle top-priority military satellite missions – signaling a new era of competition in defense space launches. SpaceX secured the largest share of the contracts, landing $5.9 billion for 28 launches. Meanwhile, ULA snatched $5.4 billion for 19 missions, and Blue Origin received $2.4 billion for seven. These launches will carry sensitive payloads – such as National Reconnaissance Office spy satellites – into orbits that require advanced technical precision. As its first attempt at an NSSL award, Blue Origin's inclusion alongside veteran contractors underscores the shifting dynamics of the military launch industry. A closer look at the financials reveals notable cost differences between providers. SpaceX's average pri ... Read full article.