"Space Force Expands Rocket-Launch Contractor Roster to Meet Growing Demand"
The US Space Force is expanding its competition for mission contracts, planning to buy more rocket launches than previously expected. Under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program, the Space Force aims to almost triple the number of launches it bought in Phase 2, estimating 90 missions. The program has been split into two groups, with Lane 1 allowing companies to compete as rockets debut and Lane 2 selecting companies for missions with the most demanding requirements. The Space Force has made adjustments to Phase 3, including adding more missions, introducing a price cap, and expanding Lane 2 to three companies.