The U.S. Space Force has awarded two task orders worth $733.6 million combined to SpaceX to provide Lane 1 launch services as part of the third phase of the National Security Space Launch program.
The service said Friday the awards mark the first two Lane 1 launch service task orders, or LSTO, issued by Space Systems Command under the NSSL Phase 3 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract awarded in June.
The task orders came three months after SpaceX booked a $661 million contract modification from SSC for launch services under the NSSL program’s Phase 2.
SDA-1 LSTO
One of the task orders will support the Space Development Agency’s launch of seven space vehicles for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellite network. The launches will be designated T2TL-D through J.
Three of the SDA launches will lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and the four remaining missions will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
NTO-2 LSTO
The second task order will back the launch of a National Reconnaissance Office mission set from Vandenberg SFB during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
“In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space.
“The Phase 3 Lane 1 construct allows us to execute launch services more quickly for the more risk-tolerant payloads, putting more capabilities on orbit faster in order to support National Security,” Panzenhagen added.
NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 On-Ramp
According to SSC, the on-ramp process for emerging vendors and systems will occur later in 2024 and that requests for proposals for more launch service task orders will follow in the third quarter of FY 2025.
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 award consists of a five-year base ordering period from FY 2025 to FY 2029 and a five-year option term.
At least 30 missions are expected to be competed under this lane over the base ordering period.
The Space Force implemented a dual-lane approach to the NSSL Phase 3 acquisition effort to ensure assured access to space and meet warfighter needs.
Under Lane 2, SSC intends to award up to three FFP indefinite-delivery requirements contracts with a five-year ordering term covering launch services, special studies, mission unique services, fleet surveillance, launch services support and early integration studies.
