SpaceX Secures $739 Million Contract with U.S. Space Force

SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has been awarded contracts totaling $739 million by the U.S. Space Force for a series of military launches. These contracts were issued through nine task orders from the Space Systems Command (SSC) under the latest phase of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, specifically Phase 3 Lane 1. The initiative aims to enhance the U.S. military’s capabilities in missile warning and tracking.

The awarded task orders will support critical missions for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). SpaceX will be responsible for launching the SDA-2 missions, scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, and the SDA-3 missions, expected to begin in the third quarter of fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the NTO-5 launches are set for the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2027 and 2028, respectively.

According to a press release from the SSC, the SDA-2 task order encompasses two launches that will transport a total of 18 Tranche 2 Tracking Layer space vehicles manufactured by L3Harris. Furthermore, a separate launch will carry eight Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (F2) space vehicles constructed by Millennium Space Systems. The SDA-3 task order includes two launches delivering another 18 Tranche 2 Tracking Layer vehicles, this time from Lockheed Martin.

Colonel Matt Flahive, the system program director for Launch Acquisition at the U.S. Space Force, commented, “Our mission to deliver national defense capabilities to the joint force is achieved with each task order we award.”

Growing Momentum for SpaceX in Military Contracts

The recent contract win builds on SpaceX’s growing portfolio of military contracts. In October 2025, the company secured five out of seven critical military missions from the U.S. Space Force, outperforming competitors such as Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and the United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Investor Ross Gerber, co-founder of Gerber Kawasaki, remarked on the significance of federal contracts in bolstering SpaceX’s success. He noted that such government contracts have played a crucial role in the achievements of both Tesla and SpaceX.

In another notable development, SpaceX also received a 2024 Pentagon contract aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s access to its secure Starshield satellite network. This contract includes provisions for an additional 2,500 Starlink terminals, which are designed to bolster communication capabilities.

As SpaceX continues to secure substantial contracts, its role in advancing military capabilities and supporting national defense initiatives remains increasingly apparent. This latest contract further establishes the company as a key player in the realm of defense and aerospace technology.