In a significant development for the commercial space industry, the United States Space Force has chosen Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to compete alongside United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX for launch missions worth up to $5.6 billion over the next five years. The announcement, made on June 13, reflects the Space Force's new strategy for space launch, called NSSL Phase 3.

Traditionally, the launch enterprise of the Space Force has been dominated by SpaceX and ULA, the only companies eligible for Defense Department missions. However, the new strategy introduced two lanes for competition. Lane 1, which focuses on commercial-like missions and targets new providers, is the category that Blue Origin will be competing in. Lane 2 is reserved for firms meeting stricter security and performance requirements.

The recently announced contracts are specifically for Lane 1, which is expected to encompass at least 30 missions. While Blue Origin, ULA, and SpaceX were the only providers eligible to compete for the initial round of contracts, other companies such as Firefly Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and Relativity Space have been developing launch vehicles specifically designed for Lane 1 missions. These newer entrants can bid to join the provider pool after their rockets successfully complete one launch.

Brig. Gen. Kirstin Panzenhagen, the program executive officer for assured access to space, explained that the pool of awardees is relatively small this year due to companies still maturing their launch capabilities. However, she reassured that on-ramp opportunities will be available every year, with the next chance for new providers to join the contract expected in the fall of 2025. This approach will likely lead to increasing competition and diversity as new providers and systems complete their development.

As part of their selection for Lane 1, both SpaceX and ULA received $1.5 million each to ensure that their rockets meet the Space Force's requirements in terms of risk-reduction and security measures. Blue Origin, being a new entrant, received $5 million to cover the initial capabilities assessment.

The Space Force also released two solicitations within Lane 1 - one to launch seven missions for the Space Development Agency and another for a National Reconnaissance Office launch. On the other hand, the Space Force anticipates announcing up to three Lane 2 companies this fall, with the majority of the 49 missions expected to go to SpaceX and ULA. However, the door is open for a third provider if they present a viable plan to certify their rocket for Lane 2 launches by 2026.

The selection of Blue Origin as a competitor for lucrative launch missions marks an important milestone for the commercial space industry, as it opens up new opportunities for emerging companies to enter the market. With increasing competition and evolving technology, the Space Force's strategy is poised to reshape the landscape of space launch services in the coming years.

Note: The author of this article is Courtney Albon, C4ISRNET's space and emerging technology reporter, who has extensive experience covering the U.S. military, with a particular focus on the Air Force and Space Force.