The Space Force posted its annual request for National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 proposals, offering new companies the chance to enter the vendor pool for these launch services.
This is the first on-ramp opportunity to join the vendor pool since the initial contracts were awarded to Blue Origin, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance in June.
Proposals for the contract are due by Dec. 13, and Space Systems Command plans to announce awards in the spring. Prospective contractors should have plans for a first launch by December 2025.
“Our NSSL Phase 3 strategy is designed to leverage the innovative commercial launch market to diversify our launch solutions with new systems able to launch more risk-tolerant space vehicles to traditionally commercial orbits,” said Col. Douglas Pentecost, SSC’s Assured Access to Space deputy program executive officer. “Emerging launch service providers are able to on-ramp each year to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract when their launch systems are ready giving us more diversity and competition.”
Companies that join the vendor pool will be able to compete for task orders for about 30 missions each year.
Lane 1 vendors do not need to meet the same bar that Lane 2 vendors do, as those are missions with less risk tolerance. Lane 2 vendors must become certified to launch those missions, and currently only SpaceX holds the certification as ULA is waiting to hear whether they secured certification or not.
Lane 2 contracts likely won’t be awarded until the fiscal year 2025 budget is passed.