SpaceX just won a $714 million military launch contract
SpaceX just landed five out of seven major US Space Force launch contracts beginning in 2027, worth a total of $714 million. These missions are part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) picked up the other two missions, while Blue Origin missed out this round because its New Glenn rocket isn't certified yet.
GPS satellites and secretive payloads
SpaceX will handle launches for a key military communications satellite and several secretive payloads from the National Reconnaissance Office.
ULA's jobs include GPS satellites and more classified cargo.
The NSSL program is huge—there are 54 missions planned between 2027 and 2032, with $13.5 billion up for grabs.
Blue Origin still needs to get certified
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket had its first test flight earlier in January 2025 but still needs official certification to compete for these big military gigs.
Its next shot is NASA's ESCAPADE Mars mission later this year, which could be make-or-break for getting that green light in future rounds.