SpaceX is set to boost its launch schedule thanks to a new contract worth $733.6 million from the U.S. Space Force.
On Oct. 18, the Space Force announced this contract, which includes two major task orders for National Security Space Launch services.
The new agreement consists of seven launches for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and one for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, who is the program executive officer for Assured Access to Space, highlighted the importance of this contract by stating, "In this era of Great Power Competition, it is imperative to not leave capability on the ground."
She explained that the Phase 3 Lane 1 contract allows for faster launch services, which helps get important military payloads into orbit more quickly to enhance national security, said Space.com.
The SDA's new task order is part of a project called Tranche 2 of the Transport Layer. This will create a satellite constellation expected to include between 300 and 500 satellites orbiting the Earth.
SpaceX Enhances Military Connectivity with Transport Layer
According to SDA officials, the Transport Layer "will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms."
SpaceX has already conducted several missions to build this Transport Layer alongside another system called the Tracking Layer, designed to detect and track missile threats.
While the Space Force has shared details about the SDA launches, it has not provided specifics on the launch schedule. However, the NRO's mission is expected to take place at California's Vandenberg Space Force Base in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, with another launch planned for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026.
The contract awarded to SpaceX is part of a larger agreement established by the Space Force with multiple providers, including Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance, earlier this year.
The Space Force decided to include these companies in their competition for launch opportunities, despite Blue Origin not having achieved any successful orbital launches.
Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, who leads space launch procurement at the Space Systems Command, emphasized that they hope to see "increasing competition and diversity" as new providers join the mix.
The contract period for Phase 3 Lane 1 will last from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2029, with an option for a five-year extension. The Space Force plans to award a minimum of 30 missions during this time, according to TechCrunch.
