Overview
- Space Systems Command issued nine NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 task orders to SpaceX for missions serving the Space Development Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office.
- Five launches will carry 44 SDA spacecraft that build out the Tranche 2 missile warning, tracking, and fire-control capability in low Earth orbit.
- Under the SDA-2 task order, two launches will deliver 18 L3Harris Tracking Layer satellites and a separate launch will deploy eight Millennium Space Systems F2 fire-control satellites starting in Q4 FY2026.
- Under SDA-3, two launches will carry 18 Lockheed Martin Tracking Layer satellites with flights projected to begin in Q3 FY2027.
- Four NRO launches under the NTO-5 task order are projected between Q1 FY2027 and Q2 FY2028, with payload details classified, and the awards highlight SpaceX’s dominance in Lane 1 where ULA’s Vulcan is the only other certified vehicle.