Space Force Expands National Security Launch Providers with Two Startups

The Space Force has announced the addition of two California-based startups, Impulse Space and Relativity Federal, to its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract. This initiative is part of the military's effort to meet the surging demand for orbital capabilities. Both companies will receive a $5 million firm-fixed-price task order to conduct initial capabilities assessments and develop tailored mission assurance strategies. They will compete with established providers such as Blue Origin, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Rocket Lab, and Stoke Space for future launch contracts.

Space Force officials highlight that these new awardees are crucial for building the next generation of launch vehicles, especially as the frequency of launches is expected to increase significantly. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, the acting space access portfolio acquisition executive, emphasized the importance of these additions in meeting the needs of national security and allied operations. The Space Force anticipates conducting over 100 national security missions in the next five years, with projections suggesting a potential total of 3,000 launches by 2036 from its two launch sites.

The Lane 1 contract is designed to expand the pool of qualified launch providers, focusing on rapid contract awards and streamlined integration processes. Zarybnisky noted that the increase to seven providers in the third year of the NSSL Lane 1 contract aligns with their strategy to adapt to evolving customer needs. He mentioned that upcoming missions will allow these new providers to compete once they have successfully completed at least one launch.

Relativity Federal plans to launch its Terran R reusable, two-stage rocket from Cape Canaveral later this year. In contrast, Impulse Space's Helios vehicle will operate differently, utilizing another provider's medium-lift rocket to transport payloads from low Earth orbit to high-energy orbits, such as Geosynchronous Orbit, in under a day. Impulse Space anticipates its first flight in 2027. Eric Romo, president and COO of Impulse Space, expressed enthusiasm for offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for assured access to space for the Space Force.