US picks SpaceX and ULA for NSSL Phase 2
United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX rockets will be used to launch US Space Force payloads under National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2, the DoD announced on 7 August.
Unsuccessful bidders for the $653 million contract were Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman.
NSSL Phase 2 involves four launches between 2023 and 2028 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Vandenberg AFB.
ULA received a slightly larger portion (60%, or $337 million) of the launch services contract. It will use its new Vulcan Centaur engines, which are currently under development to supersede Russian-made RD-180s.
Vulcan Centaur is scheduled to undergo initial test launches in 2021.
SpaceX won a $316 million contract to use its Falcon 9 (pictured) and Falcon Heavy rockets.
‘Maintaining a competitive launch market, servicing both government and commercial customers, is how we encourage continued innovation on assured access to space.’ noted Dr William Roper, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.
He added that it was important to wean the space launch sector away from using Russian-made engines.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read]()
Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read
How night vision devices and soldier-worn sensors are underpinning advanced tactical C4ISR capabilities
-
![How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes]()
How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes
Operating under continuing resolutions would affect Patriot, Virginia-class, Columbia-class and B-21 programmes.
-
![Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding]()
Brazil’s proposed $23.7 billion defence budget targets GDP-linked military funding
Brazil’s 2025 budget proposals will see a 5.9% increase in defence spending, with funds allocated for key programmes including the procurement of helicopters, armoured vehicles and nuclear-powered submarines, despite looming fiscal challenges.
-
![Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate]()
Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has claimed that Russian bombs, missiles and drones “supported by American technologies” have been fatally used on Ukrainians soldiers and civilians.
-
![Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine]()
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
