U.S. Space Force Adds Two Startups to $5.6B National Security Launch Program
On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Space Force awarded Impulse Space and Relativity Federal spots on the $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, expanding the competitive field to seven providers. Both California-based startups received $5 million each for initial assessments and can compete for lower-risk missions, including up to 30 launches. Relativity’s Terran R rocket and Impulse’s Helios orbital transfer vehicle are slated for first flights in 2026 and 2027, respectively, as military demand for launches surges.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Two More Rocket-Makers Join Pentagon's List of Launch Options
The U.S. Space Force has added Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, allowing them to compete for future national security missions alongside SpaceX, Blue Origin, United Launch Alliance, Rocket Lab, and Stoke Space. Both companies received a $5 million firm-fixed-price task order to conduct initial capabilities assessments. The expansion comes as Space Force anticipates over 100 missions in the next five years and potentially up to 3,000 launches by 2036. Relativity Federal's Terran R reusable rocket is scheduled to launch later this year, while Impulse Space's Helios vehicle, designed for high-energy orbit delivery, is set for its first flight in 2027. The Lane 1 contract focuses on rapid award and streamlined integration for lower-risk missions.
Defense One - All ContentSpace Force Adds Two Startups to National Security Launch Provider List
The U.S. Space Force has added two California-based startups, Impulse Space and Relativity Federal, to its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, allowing them to compete for future national security missions alongside established providers like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance. Each company received a $5 million firm-fixed-price task order to conduct initial capabilities assessments and develop mission assurance approaches. The expansion comes as military demand for orbital capabilities surges, with Space Force expecting over 100 missions in the next five years and potentially 3,000 launches from two sites by 2036. Relativity Federal's Terran R reusable rocket is scheduled to launch later this year, while Impulse Space's Helios vehicle, designed to transport payloads from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit in under a day, is set for its first flight in 2027. The Lane 1 contract focuses on rapid awards and streamlined integration for lower-risk missions.
Defense One - All ContentTwo More Rocket-Makers Join Pentagon's List of Launch Options
The U.S. Space Force has added California-based startups Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, expanding the pool of qualified providers to seven. Both companies received $5 million firm-fixed-price task orders for initial capabilities assessment and mission assurance development. The move comes amid rapidly increasing demand for national security launches, with Space Force expecting over 100 missions in the next five years and potentially 3,000 launches by 2036. Relativity Federal's Terran R reusable rocket is scheduled for launch later this year, while Impulse Space's Helios vehicle, designed to be paired with medium-lift rockets for same-day delivery to high-energy orbits, is set for its first flight in 2027. The Lane 1 contract focuses on rapid award and streamlined integration for lower-risk missions.
Defense One - All ContentSpace Force Adds Two Startups to National Security Space Launch Program
The U.S. Space Force has added two startup firms, Impulse Space and Relativity Space, to its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program's Phase 3 Lane 1 contract, expanding the competitive field for lower-risk 'commercial-like' missions to seven providers. Each company received $5 million for initial on-ramp efforts and will be eligible to compete for up to $5.6 billion in contracts. Relativity Space is developing the reusable medium-lift Terran R rocket, expected to launch late this year. Impulse Space's Helios orbital transfer vehicle, slated for 2027, will transport payloads from low Earth orbit to higher orbits, a first for NSSL. The Lane 1 program includes approximately 30 missions, with task orders starting in fiscal 2025 and continuing annually through at least fiscal 2029. Lane 2, for high-value missions, remains certified only for SpaceX and ULA, with Blue Origin undergoing validation.
Air & Space Forces MagazineSpace Force Adds Two Startups to National Security Space Launch Program
The U.S. Space Force has added Impulse Space and Relativity Space to its National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program, expanding the competitive field for lower-risk, commercial-like launch missions to seven providers. Both California-based startups received $5 million each for initial on-ramp efforts, making them eligible to compete for up to $5.6 billion in contracts. Relativity Space is developing the reusable medium-lift Terran R rocket, expected to launch late this year. Impulse Space's Helios orbital transfer vehicle, slated for 2027, will transport payloads from low-Earth orbit to higher orbits, a first for NSSL. The Lane 1 program, which includes approximately 30 missions, aims to broaden the launch industrial base and increase resiliency. Other vendors include SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, and Rocket Lab. Lane 2 remains for high-value missions requiring certified rockets, currently only SpaceX and ULA are certified.
Air & Space Forces MagazineU.S. Space Force Adds Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to $5.6B Launch Program
On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Space Force awarded Impulse Space and Relativity Federal spots on the $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 contract. This indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract allows the two startups to compete for individual launch missions, though it does not guarantee launches. Lane 1 is designed for lower-risk missions, enabling newer companies to build a track record before competing for more demanding Lane 2 work. The award follows a competitive process with three offers, and $10 million in fiscal 2026 funding was obligated. Existing Lane 1 providers include SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and Stoke Space. At least 30 missions are expected under the base ordering period, expanding the Space Force's launch provider base and reducing reliance on a few firms.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense News