Space Force Awards $87.5M to Rocket Lab, SpaceX, Blue Origin

Space Force Announces New Awards for Rocket Technology Development

The United States Space Force, established as a distinct military branch from the Air Force in December 2019, has recently revealed the recipients of its latest funding awards.

These awards are focused on advancing technologies for both next-generation rocket engine testing and enhancements to upper-stage rocket performance.

Awards Administered Through Space Enterprise Consortium

The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) oversaw the distribution of these funds. SpEC operates under the direction of the Space Force’s Space Systems Command.

SpEC serves as a crucial link, fostering collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense and the commercial space sector. It enables nearly 600 member organizations to contend for valuable contracts.

A total of $87.5 million in awards has been allocated to four prominent launch service providers.

Award Breakdown by Company

• Blue Origin has been awarded $24.3 million. This funding will support the development of cryogenic fluid management systems for the upper stage of their New Glenn rocket.
• United Launch Alliance (ULA) will receive $24.3 million. These funds are designated for the development of uplink command and control capabilities for their Vulcan Centaur heavy-lift rocket.
• Rocket Lab has also secured a $24.3 million contract, representing one of the largest awards in the company’s history. The investment will be directed towards upper-stage development for their upcoming Neutron medium-lift rocket.
• SpaceX will receive $14.4 million. This funding will be used for combustion stability analysis and testing related to their Raptor rocket engine.

Both SpaceX and ULA currently hold established positions as launch providers for the U.S. government, operating under the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch program.

Rocket Lab and Blue Origin will be eligible to compete for the next round of launch procurement contracts, scheduled for 2024. These recent awards indicate both companies are preparing to submit competitive bids.

Previously, in 2020, both Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman were unsuccessful in securing contracts, with SpaceX and ULA being the chosen providers.

Rocket Lab CEO Comments on Award

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck characterized the award as a “vote of confidence” in the Neutron rocket program.

He stated, “We’ve established a reliable launch system with Electron, and we are committed to replicating that success with Neutron, ensuring continued, unrestricted access to space with our new, more powerful vehicle.”