In a significant development for the U.S. military’s space ambitions, the U.S. Space Force has entrusted SpaceX with five out of seven national security launch missions scheduled for fiscal year 2026, further solidifying the company’s dominant position in the Pentagon’s most critical and complex spaceflight program. The decision underscores SpaceX’s growing influence in the national security space sector, as its competitors, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Blue Origin, struggle to keep pace. ULA secured the remaining two missions, while Blue Origin, still awaiting certification for its New Glenn rocket, was left out of the 2026 assignments, with no immediate prospects for carrying national security payloads before fiscal 2027, according to a recent statement from Space Systems Command.
The allocation of these missions falls under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 2 contract, a multi-billion-dollar agreement that governs the military’s most demanding and sophisticated launches through 2029. This contract, valued at approximately $13.7 billion, covers around 54 missions between fiscal years 2025 and 2029, with actual launches expected to occur between 2027 and 2032. The extended timeline allows companies roughly two years to integrate and prepare payloads, ensuring the precision and reliability required for national security missions. These missions often involve highly sensitive and classified payloads, including reconnaissance satellites, communication systems, and other critical space assets vital to U.S. defense operations.
SpaceX’s dominance in the latest round of assignments is reflected in its $714 million contract for five missions, which include some of the most high-profile and strategically significant payloads in the Space Force’s portfolio. Among these is the USSF-206 mission, which will carry Boeing’s 12th Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite. The WGS system is a cornerstone of military communications, providing high-capacity, secure, and global connectivity for U.S. and allied forces. The constellation supports a wide range of operations, from tactical communications on the battlefield to strategic data transfers for command and control. SpaceX’s role in deploying this satellite highlights its reliability in handling critical defense infrastructure.
In addition to the WGS mission, SpaceX’s assignments include three classified Space Force payloads, the details of which remain undisclosed due to their sensitive nature. These missions are likely to involve advanced technologies critical to national security, such as early warning systems, missile tracking, or other space-based intelligence assets. The fifth mission, NROL-86, is a reconnaissance mission managed by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), an agency responsible for developing and operating the U.S. government’s spy satellites. The NROL-86 mission underscores SpaceX’s growing role in supporting the intelligence community’s space-based surveillance capabilities, a domain where precision, reliability, and security are paramount.
United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, secured $428 million for its two missions under the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contract. These include the USSF-88 mission, which will deploy a GPS III Follow-on satellite, an advanced iteration of the Global Positioning System that provides enhanced accuracy, anti-jamming capabilities, and resilience for both military and civilian users worldwide. The second mission, NROL-88, is another NRO-managed reconnaissance payload, further highlighting the critical role of space-based intelligence in modern defense strategies. While ULA’s share of the 2026 missions is smaller than SpaceX’s, the company remains a trusted partner for the Space Force, leveraging its long history of successful launches with its Atlas V and Vulcan rockets.
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, continues to face challenges in breaking into the national security launch market. Despite being selected last year to compete in the NSSL Phase 3 program alongside SpaceX and ULA, Blue Origin has yet to achieve certification for its New Glenn rocket, a critical prerequisite for carrying national security payloads. The New Glenn, designed to be a heavy-lift rocket capable of competing with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, has faced delays in its development and testing phases. Space Systems Command indicated that Blue Origin is unlikely to secure a national security launch before fiscal 2027, as the company works to meet the rigorous certification requirements set by the Space Force.
However, Blue Origin is making progress toward certification. A NASA Mars mission scheduled for this fall is expected to serve as a key milestone in validating the New Glenn rocket’s capabilities. A successful launch could pave the way for Blue Origin to join the ranks of SpaceX and ULA as a certified provider for national security missions. Until then, the company remains on the sidelines for the Pentagon’s most critical launches, highlighting the high barriers to entry in this highly specialized and competitive market.
The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 program represents a strategic shift in how the U.S. military procures launch services. Unlike previous phases, which relied heavily on fixed contracts with a small number of providers, Phase 3 introduces a more competitive framework, allowing new entrants like Blue Origin to vie for contracts alongside established players like SpaceX and ULA. The program is divided into two lanes: Lane 1 for less complex, commercial-like missions, and Lane 2 for the most demanding and sensitive launches, such as those involving classified payloads or unique orbital requirements. The $13.7 billion valuation of Lane 2 reflects the scale and complexity of these missions, which often require custom integrations, advanced propulsion systems, and stringent security protocols.
SpaceX’s success in securing the majority of the 2026 missions can be attributed to its proven track record, cost-effective launch solutions, and ability to meet the Space Force’s stringent requirements. The company’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets have become workhorses for both commercial and government launches, with a reliability rate that has earned the trust of the Pentagon. SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology has also driven down costs, making it an attractive option for the Space Force as it seeks to maximize its budget while maintaining a robust presence in space.
For ULA, the two missions awarded for 2026 reflect its continued relevance in the national security space sector, even as it faces intense competition from SpaceX. The company’s Vulcan rocket, designed to replace the aging Atlas V and Delta IV, is expected to play a larger role in future NSSL missions. However, ULA’s higher launch costs compared to SpaceX have put pressure on the company to innovate and streamline its operations.
Blue Origin’s absence from the 2026 mission slate underscores the challenges faced by new entrants in the national security launch market. The certification process is rigorous, requiring extensive testing and validation to ensure that rockets can meet the unique demands of military payloads. Blue Origin’s New Glenn, while promising, must demonstrate its reliability and performance before it can compete for high-stakes missions like those in the NSSL program.
The allocation of these missions highlights the evolving landscape of the U.S. space industry, where competition, innovation, and national security priorities intersect. SpaceX’s dominance in the 2026 assignments reflects its technological and operational edge, while ULA’s continued role demonstrates the value of legacy expertise. Blue Origin, though currently sidelined, represents the potential for new players to disrupt the market in the coming years.
As the Space Force prepares for the launches scheduled between 2027 and 2032, the stakes will only grow higher. The NSSL Phase 3 program is not just about launching satellites; it’s about ensuring the U.S. maintains its strategic advantage in space, a domain increasingly critical to national security. From global communications and navigation to intelligence and missile defense, the payloads carried by SpaceX and ULA will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military operations. For now, SpaceX’s commanding lead in the 2026 missions signals its central role in this high-stakes endeavor, while the door remains open for competitors like Blue Origin to challenge its dominance in the years ahead.
