# Space Force Expands NSSL Launch Contracts

The U.S. Space Force increased the ceiling for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts from $5.6 billion to $17 billion and expanded the contract pool to seven launch providers: SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Relativity, and Impulse Space. The higher ceiling represents potential contract capacity, not guaranteed spending; the signal does not identify a new solicitation or an open opportunity for additional bidders.

- The expanded pool gives the seven selected providers access to potential Lane 1 launch-service requirements. Companies in the pool can assess how to position for resulting task orders and mission needs.
- The larger ceiling and provider pool indicate increased planned capacity and a broader launch-provider base for national security missions, while actual awards will depend on agency requirements and orders placed.
- Firms outside the pool should not treat the ceiling increase as a new entry opportunity; the signal provides no details of an open on-ramp or new competition.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 31, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Space Force (USSF)

### Vendors
- SpaceX (Lane 1 contract pool awardee)
- United Launch Alliance (ULA) (Lane 1 contract pool awardee)
- Blue Origin (Lane 1 contract pool awardee)
- Rocket Lab (Lane 1 contract pool awardee)
- Stoke Space (Lane 1 contract pool awardee)

### Sources
- [https://t.co/GpI3cgxKKJ

Space Force just tripled the ceiling on NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts from $5.6B to $17B and expanded the pool to seven companies (SpaceX, ULA, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Relativity, and Impulse Space).

This is not a casual on-ramp. Lane 1 cov](https://x.com/MorganWKhan/status/2116657268250833244) - twitter-fed-procurement