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This article was generated using artificial intelligence (LMStudio) on 2025-03-29T22:49:18.321784. The original article can be found at https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/03/two-rocket-makers-take-step-toward-space-force-launches/404140/.
The United States Space Force has expanded its selection of potential launch providers, adding Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to a list that already includes Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance. This development marks a significant step toward increasing competition and bolstering the nation’s access to space capabilities.
On Thursday, Space Force officials announced task orders of $5 million each for Rocket Lab and Stoke Space. These funds will be used to conduct initial assessments of their launch capabilities and develop plans for ensuring mission reliability tailored to Space Force requirements. This phase is considered crucial in evaluating the companies’ readiness for future contracts.
Successful completion of this assessment, coupled with a demonstration of rocket launches reaching space by the end of the current year, would position Rocket Lab and Stoke Space to bid on upcoming missions within “Lane 1” of the National Space Security Launch Phase 3 program. This lane is slated to award at least 30 launch contracts between fiscal years 2025 and 2029, representing a potential value of approximately $5.6 billion.
Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space, emphasized the strategic importance of these new partnerships in a released statement. She noted that incorporating Rocket Lab and Stoke Space will introduce innovative approaches, enhance competition within the launch services market, and ultimately increase both capacity and resilience in delivering essential space capabilities. The program’s objective with Lane 1 is specifically aimed at broadening the pool of available launch providers to achieve these goals.