The US Space Force is making it simpler for new launch companies to break into the national security space launch market and compete with companies like SpaceX and United Launch Alliance.
The Space Force's National Security Space Launch program heretofore had two providers approved to take part in it. But with the entrance of Phase 3 of the program, the agency now has two lanes for new providers to compete.
The first lane accommodates 30 launches between 2025 and 2034, and the requirements for a spot in it are not so stringent, with the companies getting in having chances to join annually. The lane is not supposed to host more than five yearly launches, with the purpose of granting new providers experience in the field and a chance to build their own capabilities.
According to Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck, his company's in-production neutron rocket could/will emerge as a major contender for that lane. The company specifically operates around this argument that this entry approach would allow for new providers to establish their position in the industry quicker than the one of established companies.
The second lane is geared toward 49 launches and is for the most secure and performance-heavy companies. This would be the likely home of two of the current providers but has a possibility to leave a slot open for the third one if the rocket of a company is certified by 2026.
Blue Origin would likely become that third-third provider if it was selected, with the company planning to launch its New Glenn later in the year.
Smaller companies are targeting the more accessible missions in Lane 1 in the near term, with ambitions to compete for more lucrative contracts on the long-term missions in Lane 2. However, none of the newcomers believe they will have their rockets ready in time to qualify for a Lane 1 mission.
Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket is targeting a debut in mid-2025, while other companies aim for 2025 or later, such as ABL Space Systems, Firefly Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and Relativity Space.
Members of the Space Force said their new, easy-to-access approach is going to do things right by bringing more competition and innovation in the national security space launch market, meaning those smaller players could cut the lofty costs of business with the big guys.
