SSC assigns 21 launch service missions for FY-24

Space Systems Command has assigned 21 launch service missions for Phase 2 of space launch services for fiscal year 2024, the command announced today.

According to the announcement, this is the “fifth and final order” of the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 after completing the NSSL Mission Assignment Board’s process for FY-24 launch service awards.

“Over the five-year Phase 2 contract, we will have ordered a total of 48 missions, a significant increase over the 34 missions originally estimated leading up to Phase 2,” Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, the assured access to space program executive officer, said in the announcement.

“The increase in launch tempo is a clear reminder of how vital space-based capabilities are in providing our warfighters and our nation’s decision-makers with the information needed to stay ahead of and to deter adversarial forces,” she said.

The United Launch Alliance will deliver 11 mission launch services and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) will deliver 10 mission launch services, which the command is expecting to launch over the next two to three years with a focus on different mission areas.

The 11 mission launch services by ULA will include Global Positioning System III-9, National Reconnaissance Office Launch- 73; NROL-56; Space Test Program-5; SILENTBARKER-2/NROL-118; GPSIIIF-1; NROL-100; United States Space Force-95; NROL-109; Space Development Agency Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta variant; and USSF-25.

At the same time, the 10 mission launch services by SpaceX will include SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer -F; SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer- A; USSF-57; NROL-77; SDA T1TR-E; GPS III-10; USSF-75; SDA T2TL-Alpha; SDA T2TL- Gamma; and USSF-70.

“We maintain a close partnership with our mission customers and our domestic launch industry to protect our nation,” Col. Chad Melone, SSC’s Mission Solutions Space Acquisition Delta senior materiel leader, said.

“Under our Phase 2 contract, ULA and SpaceX have been committed partners, and our combined team remains dedicated to delivery of critical assets to our warfighters as we complete this phase of the NSSL program and embark on NSSL Phase 3 starting in FY25,” he continued.