Blue Origin Joins SpaceX, ULA on List of DOD Launch Providers
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will compete for the first time with incumbents SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) for national security launches using its New Glenn rocket.
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced on Thursday that it had awarded the three companies a multiple-award, indefinite-quantity contract worth a maximum of $5.6 billion to launch defense payloads. The five-year contract begins in fiscal year 2025 and extends through June 2029, with an option for five additional years.
Blue Origin will launch payloads using its New Glenn rocket, which is due to make its first flight later this year. The government will need to certify the booster to carry defense satellites before Blue Origin will be awarded contracts for individual launches.
“This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and seven offers were received,” the USAF said.
The government will award contracts to the companies depending upon mission needs and bids. The launches are for what is known as Lane 1 launches for payloads into low Earth orbit.
Lane 2 launches involve sending larger payloads to higher orbits. The Pentagon plans to award contracts for those launches later this year.
SpaceX uses the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy boosters. The company is also developing its super-heavy lift Starship booster, which made a successful flight test last week.
ULA uses the Atlas V rocket, which is being phased out in favor of the new Vulcan Centaur booster. Vulcan Centaur made a successful maiden launch in January and is in the process of being certified for defense missions.