The Space Force is now seeking to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches
Summary
Ars Technica reports that Space Force is expanding its National Security Space Launch program with Lane 1’s maximum value raised to $17B and total Lane 1+Lane 2 value surpassing $30B due to rising demand for military satellite launches. The move widens competition beyond SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin to include Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, Relativity Space, and Impulse Space for Lane 1 missions, while Lane 2 retains higher-certification requirements. The piece ties the expansion to related Space Data Network and AMTI programs and places it in the broader FY2027 budget context.