These missions require medium-altitude rockets, or smaller rockets that can achieve a high launch frequency, matching the capabilities of a larger launch vehicle. In June, the Space Force selected SpaceX, ULA and Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' space company, to compete for Lane 1 launch duties.
Military officials will add more companies to the pool of available Lane 1 launch providers as their missiles mature. These companies may include Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, Relativity Space, Stoke Space, and others.
Although Blue Origin is on the Space Force's list of available launch providers, the company's New Glenn rocket was not eligible for the contracts announced Friday. That's because military officials need a rocket to complete at least one successful orbital launch to be qualified for a Lane 1 task order. New Glenn's first test flight is scheduled for some time later this year.
This rule made ULA's Falcon 9 and ULA rockets the only launch vehicles eligible for the task orders, creating a head-to-head competition between the rival rocket companies. SpaceX prevailed, winning all eight Lane 1 missions for competition this year.
Orbit 2 of the Space Force's National Security Space Launch program involves more challenging military missions, typically larger, more expensive payloads destined for higher orbits. The Space Force is expected to soon select launch providers for Lane 2 missions. These launches will require the Space Force to certify the rockets, while the military becomes comfortable with accepting a little more risk for the Lane 1 missions.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are currently certified for national security launches, and the Space Force is in the process of certifying ULA's Vulcan launch vehicle after two successful test flights. The Space Force and Blue Origin also have a certification plan for the New Glenn rocket, but it must first make several successful test flights.
