Bezos' Blue Origin joins SpaceX, ULA in winning bids for $5.6 billion Pentagon rocket program
How much is the total budget allocated for the NSSL program by the Pentagon?
The Pentagon has allocated a total budget of $5.6 billion for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. This multi-year program, which includes companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance, will be eligible for contracts through mid-2029.
What are the main companies awarded contracts under the Pentagon's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program?
The main companies awarded contracts under the Pentagon's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program are Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA). These companies will compete for rocket contracts in the $5.6 billion program, with the Space Force expecting to order as many as 90 rocket launches. This marks the first time Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has been selected to launch sensitive national security satellites.
What is the timeline for contract competitions under NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1?
The timeline for contract competitions under NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 is as follows:
- The U.S. Space Force released a draft request for proposals (RFP) and Industry Day announcement for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 on February 16, 2023.
- The final RFP is scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023.
- Lane 1 awards are expected in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024.
NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 will consist of multiple award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with a five-year basic ordering period and a 5-year option ordering period. The Space Force will reopen the original IDIQ solicitation on an annual basis to on-ramp emerging providers or systems. The ordering period for Lane 1 launches will cover FY25 through FY34.