Overview
- Space Systems Command issued nine NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 launch task orders to SpaceX with missions scheduled from late 2026 through fiscal 2028.
- Five launches will carry 44 Space Development Agency spacecraft, including two flights with 18 L3Harris Tranche 2 tracking satellites and one flight with eight Millennium F2 fire-control satellites starting in 4Q FY2026.
- Two SDA-3 launches will deploy 18 Lockheed-built satellites beginning in 3Q FY2027.
- Additional “NTO-5” launches will carry classified National Reconnaissance Office payloads between 1Q FY2027 and 2Q FY2028.
- The awards align launch cadence with SDA’s multi-prime build plan and two-year tranche cycle for tracking and fire-control capabilities.