The U.S. Space Force has assigned five of the seven most important military satellite launch missions for the next fiscal year to SpaceX, the commercial space corporation founded by Elon Musk. With a total contract value of $714 million, these agreements solidify SpaceX’s position as the Pentagon’s top supplier for critical missions. The winning launches include a communication satellite, three classified payloads, and a reconnaissance satellite, all scheduled for 2027 as part of the Space Force’s advance planning cycle.
Why Was Blue Origin Not Chosen?
Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, was excluded from this year’s awards because its New Glenn rocket has not yet received military certification for launching classified defense payloads. Blue Origin’s current projects are expected to be eligible only by fiscal 2027, giving SpaceX a window of clear advantage in the military-launch sector.
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How Did ULA Perform?
The United Launch Alliance (ULA)—a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin—secured the remaining two missions and was awarded $428 million for its launch services. ULA’s selection reaffirms the agency’s commitment to diversified launch providers while recognizing SpaceX’s expanding roster of capabilities.
What Does the Pentagon Say?
Colonel Eric Zarybnisky, from the Space Systems Command, explained the significance of space in national security: “Space is the ultimate high ground, critical for our national security. Delivering assets to the warfighter is our ultimate mission, and we rely on strong government-industry partnerships to achieve that goal.” The new contracts are part of the National Security Space Launch Program, which manages national defense-related flights and plans launches up to fiscal 2029. In April, the Space Force set up a larger batch of 54 launches between 2027 and 2032, with SpaceX responsible for just over half (28 missions), further signaling ongoing confidence in Musk’s company.
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What’s Next for the Competition?
Blue Origin’s next selection window is projected for fiscal 2027, giving it time to secure military approval for New Glenn. The current awards underline how competitive the field is, with SpaceX and ULA setting benchmarks and newcomers facing tight regulations.
