Kirsten Prechtl

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Industry Day

The United States Space Force Space Systems Command is conducting the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program to provide affordable space access to the integrated space architecture. This initiative utilizes multiple award Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with an ordering period extending to Fiscal Year 2029 and a single five-year option. Under Lane 1, providers capable of meeting a specific subset of NSSL requirements can compete for approximately 22 missions through annual Launch Service Task Orders, utilizing a tiered mission assurance approach that accepts higher risk to meet specific mission needs. To support this effort, an in-person Industry Day was scheduled for August 26, 2026, at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California. The event focused on the timeline for on-ramping additional Launch Service Providers, details regarding upcoming task order competitions, and mission briefings from the NRO, SDN, and SDA. While the government engaged in one-on-one sessions with potential and current providers to discuss manifests and future procurements, the announcement explicitly stated that the event was for information and planning purposes only and did not constitute a formal request for proposals.

Department Of DefenseCA,

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Posted Sep 2, 2026

NSSL-Ph3Ln1-IndDay082026

Closed

Awarded1

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Increased Ceiling Modifications

Seven aerospace companies—United Launch Services, Blue Origin, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Stoke Space Technologies, Rocket Lab USA, Impulse Space, and Relativity Federal—have received modifications to their existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1, collectively increasing the contract ceiling by $11.4 billion to reach a total of $17 billion. These adjustments, authorized through a Justification and Approval document, enable the U.S. Space Force to secure future launch services from a diverse pool of providers with proven capabilities, ensuring reliable and resilient access to space for critical national security missions. The modifications affirm the Department of Defense’s commitment to maintaining competition and technological innovation across the launch industry, with contracts managed under the FA8811 acquisition system and overseen by the office located in El Segundo, California.

Department Of DefenseCA, USA$17B est.

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

NSSLPhase3Lane1

Awarded

Federal2

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 On-Ramp Request for Proposal (RFP)

Department Of DefenseCA, USA

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Posted Dec 9, 2025

FA8811-26-R-B001

Closed

Federal2

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Industry Day

The United States Space Force's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Program is hosting an Industry Day on August 19-20, 2025, at Los Angeles Air Force Base to provide detailed information about the upcoming Phase 3 Lane 1 launch services contract. This event aims to inform potential industry partners about the process for on-ramping additional Launch Service Providers (LSPs), the timeline for the issuance of Launch Service Task Orders (LSTOs), and the overall structure of the program, which seeks to ensure reliable, affordable access to space for national security missions. The program involves multiple award IDIQ contracts with a period extending through FY29, allowing selected LSPs to compete for approximately 20 missions annually, with a tiered mission assurance approach that balances risk and mission needs. Participation in the Industry Day is limited to in-person attendance, with a cap of five representatives per company, and requires prior registration by July 25, 2025. The event will feature a general session open to all, classified briefings for those with appropriate security clearances, and one-on-one discussions to address specific questions about the upcoming on-ramp, future missions, and the manifest. It is important to note that this announcement is solely for informational and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or contractual offer. The government emphasizes that no proposals are being requested at this stage, and all costs related to participation are the responsibility of the attendees. The event also involves collaboration with several industry support contractors who assist with technical reviews, systems engineering, and other advisory services.

Department Of DefenseCA,

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Posted Aug 22, 2025

NSSL-Ph3Ln1-IndDay3

Closed

Federal1

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 On-Ramp Request for Proposal (RFP)

Department Of DefenseCA,

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Posted Oct 30, 2024

FA8811-25-R-B001

Closed

Federal3

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Industry Day

Department Of DefenseCA,

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

Posted Aug 29, 2024

NSSL-Ph3Ln1-IndDay

Closed

Awarded

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 IDIQ Award

Blue Origin Florida, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., and United Launch Services have been awarded a multiple-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 procurement. This agreement has a maximum cumulative ceiling of 5.6 billion dollars and focuses on providing launch services to deliver national security space payloads into their designated orbits. The contract was awarded following a competitive acquisition process that saw seven offers. Managed by the Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space at Los Angeles Air Force Base, the contract features an initial five-year ordering period ending in June 2029, with an option to extend for another five years. While the specific locations of performance will be determined by individual task orders, 8 million dollars in fiscal year 2024 space procurement funds have been obligated at the time of award to meet the minimum guarantee.

Department Of DefenseHawthorne, CA, USA

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

FA8811-24-D-B003

Awarded Jun 13, 2024

Awarded

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 IDIQ Award

Blue Origin Florida, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., and United Launch Services have been awarded a multiple-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 procurement. With a maximum cumulative ceiling of 5.6 billion dollars, the contract focuses on providing launch services to deliver national security space payloads into their designated orbits. The acquisition was conducted competitively, with seven offers received, and is managed by the Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space at Los Angeles Air Force Base. The agreement features an initial five-year ordering period extending through June 2029, with an option for an additional five-year extension. While the specific location of performance will be determined by individual task orders, an initial 8 million dollars from fiscal year 2024 space procurement funds has been obligated as a minimum guarantee.

Department Of DefenseMerritt Island, FL, USA

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

FA8811-24-D-B002

Awarded Jun 13, 2024

Awarded

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 IDIQ Award

Blue Origin Florida, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., and United Launch Services have been awarded a multiple-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 procurement. With a maximum cumulative ceiling of 5.6 billion dollars, the contract focuses on providing launch services to deliver national security space payloads into their designated orbits. The agreement was the result of a competitive acquisition process involving seven offers and is managed by the Space Systems Command Assured Access to Space. The contract features an initial five-year ordering period extending through June 2029, with an option for an additional five-year extension. While the specific locations of performance will be determined at the task order level, the initial obligation at the time of award consists of 8 million dollars in fiscal year 2024 space procurement funds.

Department Of DefenseCentennial, CO, USA

NAICS

481212

Nonscheduled Chartered Freight Air Transportation

PSC

V126

Transportation, Travel, and Relocation Services

FA8811-24-D-B001

Awarded Jun 13, 2024

Federal2