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Space Systems Command (SSC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 On-Ramp. This marks the first opportunity for new participants to enter the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 since the initial awards went to Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA in June 2024. Proposals are due by December 13, 2024, and the final award announcement is anticipated for spri by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 31, 2024
Space Systems Command (SSC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 On-Ramp. This marks the first opportunity for new participants to enter the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 since the initial awards went to Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA in June 2024. Proposals are due by December 13, 2024, and the final award announcement is anticipated for spring 2025.
The annual Lane 1 on-ramp aims to strengthen the U.S. launch capability by fostering a diverse, resilient industrial base capable of delivering commercial-grade launch services for national security needs.
"Our NSSL Phase 3 strategy is designed to leverage the innovative commercial launch market to diversify our launch solutions with new systems able to launch more risk-tolerant space vehicles to traditionally commercial orbits," explained Col. Douglas Pentecost, SSC's deputy program executive officer for Assured Access to Space. "Emerging launch service providers are able to on-ramp each year to the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 contract when their launch systems are ready, giving us more diversity and competition."
This on-ramp requires that interested launch providers present a viable plan for an initial launch no later than December 2025.
"We recently hosted an Industry Day to inform launch providers about this upcoming on-ramp opportunity," noted Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, SSC's materiel leader for Space Launch Procurement. "We were thrilled to see the continued enthusiasm from industry and look forward to increase our launch diversity and competition because we have multiple launch service procurements programmed across the next several years."
The SSC operates as the Space Force's dedicated field command, with a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget supporting the Department of Defense. SSC works alongside industry, academic, and allied partners to advance the United States' strategic space capabilities, aiming to safeguard national interests and meet emerging security challenges.
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