US Space Force Adds 2 Firms to $5.6 Billion Launch Bid Pool
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · Jul 9
US Space Force Adds 2 Firms to $5.6 Billion Launch Bid Pool
3 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Jul 9
Summary
Impulse Space and Relativity Space were added this week to the US Space Force’s eligible bidders for National Security Space Launch Phase 3 contracts.
The move expands competition for about 30 Lane 1 missions worth roughly $5.6 billion, a track designed for newer providers to handle more risk-tolerant national security launches.
Space Force officials have pushed to widen the field because demand for high-energy launches—especially to geostationary orbit—has outstripped available supply.
Relativity’s inclusion was broadly expected as it advances its Terran R heavy-lift rocket, while Impulse’s entry stood out because the company is known for in-space vehicles rather than Earth launchers.
Phase 3 covers task orders awarded from 2025 to 2029, with launches typically occurring one to three years after contract awards; SpaceX and ULA remain in separate Lane 2 competition for the most sensitive payloads.
Can a 'space tug' company without its own rocket upend the military launch market?
How does betting on orbital transfer vehicles change America's strategy for space dominance?
U.S. Space Force Adds Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to $5.6B NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1, Boosting Competition and Resilience
Overview
On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Space Force expanded its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contract pool by adding Impulse Space and Relativity Federal, increasing the total number of eligible providers to seven. This contract is designed to encourage competition by allowing more launch providers and systems to compete for future missions, with the solicitation reopening every year. At least 30 missions are expected to be awarded during the contract period. Notably, Impulse Space is the first non-rocket company in the pool, specializing in orbital transfer vehicles, marking a significant step toward a more diverse and resilient U.S. space launch industry.