Blue Origin, SpaceX, ULA win $5.6 billion in Pentagon launch contracts
What are the total potential values of the contracts awarded to Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program?
The total potential values of the contracts awarded to Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program is $5.6 billion over five years. The three companies will compete for orders over the contract period starting in fiscal year 2025 through 2029. This marks the first time Blue Origin has been selected to launch sensitive national security satellites, while SpaceX and ULA have previously held contracts under the Phase 2 program.
How will the three companies compete for orders over the contract period, and what is the timeframe for these contracts?
The three companies, Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance, will compete for orders over the contract period starting from fiscal year 2025 through 2029. The contracts, potentially worth $5.6 billion over five years, were awarded by the U.S. Space Force for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 launch services program1. Under this program, the Space Force orders individual launch missions up to two years in advance, and at least 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions are expected to be competed over the five years.
Can you describe the purpose and capabilities of Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy lift reusable rocket?
The New Glenn heavy lift reusable rocket, developed by Blue Origin, is designed for a variety of commercial and government payloads1. Standing at 322 feet (98 meters) tall, it is one of the largest rockets ever built5. The rocket features a 23-foot (7-meter) diameter payload fairing, offering twice the volume of traditional five-meter class fairings5. This allows it to accommodate payloads with twice the volume of standard five-meter class fairings, enabling the launch of larger satellites and spacecraft4.
The New Glenn is powered by seven BE-4 engines on its first stage, fueled by liquefied natural gas and liquid oxygen. These engines generate a combined thrust of 3.85 million pounds (17.1 MN) at liftoff. The use of LNG as a rocket fuel is a notable innovation, as it is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to traditional kerosene-based fuels.
The rocket is capable of lifting 45 metric tons (99,000 pounds) to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 13 metric tons (28,660 pounds) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The first stage of the rocket is designed for a minimum of 25 flights, landing on a sea-based platform located approximately 620 miles (1,000 km) downrange.
The New Glenn rocket is an important development in the space industry, offering a powerful, reusable, and cost-effective solution for a wide range of missions. With its large payload capacity, reusability, and focus on cost reduction, it is expected to compete with industry giants such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.